The NBA on Christmas Day is an annual tradition, and we’re treated to a loaded five-game slate this year.
An early tipoff between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks (who are 5.5-point favorites at FanDuel) should provide plenty of intrigue after Dallas defeated Minnesota 4-1 in the Western Conference Finals earlier this year.
Can Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves exact revenge on Christmas Day? Or will Luka Doncic and the Mavericks continue their domination against this conference opponent?
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Dallas Mavericks Odds Today
Timberwolves vs Mavericks, Dec. 25, 2:30 pm ET
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Timberwolves | +5.5 (-112) | +176 | O221.5 (-108) |
| Dallas Mavericks | -5.5 (-108) | -210 | U221.5 (-112) |
Odds as of Dec. 24 at FanDuel
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Dallas Mavericks Picks
Dallas Mavericks -5.5 (-108) at FanDuel
On Monday, the Timberwolves dropped a game 117-104 to the Hawks as their offense struggled to find its rhythm again. Minnesota shot just 32.6% from 3-point range and 42.9% overall. The Wolves offense has struggled after losing Karl Anthony-Towns via trade this offseason. After ranking 17th in offensive rating last year, they rank 23rd this season, between the struggling Raptors and Jazz.
Anthony Edwards has seen his offensive efficiency drop slightly, but he’s still averaging an impressive 25.6 points per game on 45-42-80 shooting splits. Julius Randle is averaging 20.1 points on 47% from the field, but Donte DiVincenzo has struggled to provide the offensive boost off the bench the Wolves hoped. He’s averaging just 8.9 points on 37% shooting.
Minnesota’s defense has kept it afloat as the Wolves rank sixth in defensive rating. That defense will be put to the test on Christmas by Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, the remarkable backcourt tandem that put together a masterful Western Conference Finals series against this defense earlier this year. Doncic is in the running for the MVP trophy with 28.9 points, 8.2 assists, and 8.6 rebounds per game.
Dallas’ offense has only been made more dangerous by the addition of Klay Thompson, who is shooting 39% from 3. Thompson is averaging a career-low 14.4 points per game, but he’s seeing a steady diet of open shots with defenses keying in on Doncic and Irving. The former Warriors guard is a threat to take over a game at a moment’s notice.
The Timberwolves will be hungry for revenge in this game, but it’s difficult to trust them on the road with their inconsistent offense. Minnesota’s defense is always up to the task, but Doncic and Irving can score on even the most lockdown units in the NBA. Take the Mavericks to cover the spread on Christmas.
Timberwolves vs Mavericks Prop Picks Today
Luka Doncic OVER 29.5 points (-113) at FanDuel
In this Christmas Day special, Luka Doncic will look to put on a show against a defense he torched in the playoffs last season. In five games in the Western Conference Finals, Doncic averaged 32.4 points per game and cleared this line in four of five contests.
The Wolves will likely throw Jaden McDaniels at him as a primary defender, but Doncic has handled that matchup well in the past. Bet on one of the best scorers in the NBA doing what he does best in this game.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Dallas Mavericks Betting Trends
- The Mavericks are 17-11 ATS this season
- The Wolves are 11-17 ATS this season
- The Wolves are 2-6 in their last eight games against the Mavericks
