Timberwolves 2024-25 Betting Preview: Prediction, Roster Projection

Last year, the Minnesota Timberwolves had a historic season. They posted their second-best record in franchise history (56-26) and reached the Western Conference finals for the first time since 2004.

Now, the Wolves begin 2024-25 as one of the top contenders in the NBA.

NBA futures odds are available at the online sportsbook, including Minnesota Timberwolves odds for NBA champion, division winner, and player awards.

Timberwolves Futures Odds

Win Total: 52.5
Northwest Division: +250
Western Conference: +500
NBA Championship: +1200

After a stellar season, the NBA odds market shows plenty of respect for the Wolves.

Minnesota’s win total is eight games higher than last year. It marks the team’s highest preseason win total since 2004-05, when it had an over/under of 54.5.

That was also the last time the Timberwolves traded below +1800 in the preseason to win the NBA Finals.

Timberwolves Offseason Moves

Following last year’s Western Conference finals appearance, the Timberwolves were aggressive in their attempt to take the next step.

Additions

Departures

The Timberwolves made one of the most significant moves on draft night, sending a 2030 first-round pick and a 2031 first-round pick to the San Antonio Spurs for the rights to take Rob Dillingham at No. 8 in this year’s draft.

Dillingham, a 6-foot-2, 170-pound guard, flashed his offensive prowess in one season at Kentucky last year. He averaged 15.2 points per game on 47.5% shooting to go along with an average of 3.9 assists per contest. Terrence Shannon Jr. could also be a steal as the No. 27 pick.

The Timberwolves were then involved in one of the biggest offseason trades in September, sending Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks for Donte DiVincenzo and Julius Randle.

DiVincenzo and Randle should help boost Minnesota’s half-court offense, as Minnesota continues to focus on building a sustainable core around All-Star guard Anthony Edwards.

Timberwolves 2024 Betting Prediction

Prediction: Timberwolves Moneyline vs. Lakers (-120)

I don’t see any value in Timberwolves’ futures odds. This is a team that bettors want to back, and it’s hard to poke too many holes in Minnesota’s profile.

As a result, my only preseason bet is on the Timberwolves to win their season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Wolves and Lakers will clash on NBA’s opening night, a sign that the league wants to market Edwards as one of the top players in the league.

These two teams aren’t nearly as close as the basketball odds would suggest. The Lakers finished 19th in net rating last year, and were fortunate to earn the No. 7 seed from the play-in tournament. The Timberwolves, meanwhile, were the best defensive team in the league last year.

In addition, Los Angeles has lost seven straight season openers since 2017.

I’m not waiting to lock in this Minnesota moneyline as part of my NBA Opening Night predictions.

2024-25 NBA Team Previews & Predictions