Minnesota Timberwolves vs Indiana Pacers Prediction: The Pacers keep surprising us, Wolves a bit erratic

The NBA Regular Season has brought to the table a number of memorable games already and we still have a LONG way to go into another busy season. There is no time for analysts to gather their thoughts or get stuck on one game as the large host of games keeps hitting us. In this Regular Season game, the Minnesota Timberwolves will take on the Indiana Pacers.

The Timberwolves come into this game after losing 128:135 against the Oklahoma City Thunder despite a 27 points effort by Point D’Angelo Russell. This loss marked the fourth loss in five games for the Timberwolves outfit, thus reducing them to just 11 wins and 12 losses. The Wolves' defense has been awful and the team has conceded 135 or more in three of four games. There are two major reasons for the current downturn, first, the team is playing without Karl Anthony-Towns, and second, their electric defender Jaden McDaniels just recently recovered from injury.

The offense has also taken a hit, and while it hasn’t exactly been terrible, it isn’t as clinical as it was last season. Still, thanks to Anthony Edwards, Russell, Towns, and McDaniels, the Timberwolves are third in pace and attempt a ton of shots early in the clock. However, they commit about 16.5 turnovers which reduces their field goal attempts. The Rudy Gobert fit is questionable and he hasn’t had the intended effect it is a mystery how the Wolves are among the worst teams when it comes to limiting opponents’ offensive rebounds. As of now, De’Angelo Russell and Anthony Edwards are the major offensive options with the latter dealing most of the damage. Jaylen Nowell has given some strong scoring off-the-bench too.

The Pacers march into this affair after beating the Warriors 112:104 as rookie AJ Nembhard rolled in 31 points and dished an incredible 13 assists. This was perhaps the most incredible win for the Pacers which was on a three-game losing streak and was without their leading player Tyrese Haliburton. For a rookie, Nembhard has already had a decorated start to his NBA journey, he hit a game-winner against the Lakers and then outplayed Stephen Curry. These incredible returns are highly encouraging for a Pacers outfit that seems to be loaded up on the guard position.

Myles Turner who missed the last game has been a big impact creator on both ends. Buddy Hield has been fulfilling his role well as an off-guard. For a team that is supposedly rebuilding, the Pacers have gathered a 13 wins and 11 losses record, which is a more than the respectable record for a team that was supposed to be struggling. The Pacers are top-ten in assists, blocks, field goal attempts, and three-point makes, which means things are clicking well. They have done well on the recent road trip and this young unit doesn’t plan to end up with a long record, which means they will have to do the extra lifting.

• Timberwolves: OUT: Taurean Prince, Karl Anthony-Towns;
• Pacers: OUT: Chris Duarte, Daniel Theis. QUESTIONABLE: Tyrese Haliburton, Myles Turner, TJ McConnell, James Johnson.

• Expected Leading Scorers: Anthony Edwards(27-34 Points), D’Angelo Russell(22+ Points), AJ Nembhard(20+ Points);
• Expected Leading Rebounders: Myles Turner(9+ Rebounds), Rudy Gobert(10+ Rebounds);
• Expected Leading Playmakers: AJ Nembhard(9+ Assists), D’Angelo Russell(7-10 Assists).

The Timberwolves have been struggling at home whereas the Pacers will be motivated after their win against the Warriors, and a Warriors team that had the likes of Steph, Draymond, Wiggins, and Poole. The Wolves haven’t done well against any type of team lately and thus the Pacers will be fancying their chances. However, I see the Wolves turning it around and they are likely to win here. I predict a scoreline of 125:118 in favor of the Timberwolves.