Timberwolves vs Pistons Picks and Prediction – 1/5/2025

Little Caesars Arena will play host to a Saturday night NBA clash between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Detroit Pistons. For other NBA action see our NBA Predictions. The Timberwolves (17-16) have split their previous ten games and are locked in a three-way tie for eighth place in the Western Conference standings. On Thursday, Minnesota was unable to make the plays down the stretch during a 118-115 home loss versus NBA Champion Boston. 

Julius Randle led five Minnesota players in double figures with 27 points (9-16 FG), eight rebounds, and seven assists. Naz Reid scored 20 points on 6-for-11 shooting in 26 minutes off the bench. All-Star G Anthony Edwards added 15 points (5-16 FG) for the Timberwolves, who connected on 21-for-39 from long range. 

The Detroit Pistons have won seven of their last ten games and trail Indiana by a half-game for seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings. The Pistons (16-18) rank 20th in the league in defensive efficiency and are giving up 114 points per contest. Last night, Detroit limited Charlotte to 29 points during the second half of a 98-94 home victory.

Detroit F Tobias Harris tallied a game-high 24 points on 9-for-16 shooting and grabbed ten rebounds. Cade Cunningham contributed 18 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Malik Beasley scored 12 points off the bench for the Pistons, who won despite shooting 42 percent from the field. 

Detroit G Jaden Ivey underwent successful surgery to repair a broken fibula in his left leg and will be sidelined until March. These two teams are tied in offensive efficiency, but the Timberwolves are the better defensive team and have an extra day to rest. Take Minnesota to cover on the road. Final Score Prediction, Minnesota Timberwolves win 114-102.