Timberwolves vs. Raptors Prediction and Odds (Timberwolves Get Revenge in Crucial Game)

We've got a critical matchup in the NBA playoff race tonight as the 43-32 Toronto Raptors host the 43-33 Minnesota Timberwolves at 7:30 p.m. EST.

The Raptors have won three straight and hold a one-game lead over the Cavaliers for the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference. As a reminder, the top six seeds automatically qualify for the playoffs while seeds 7-10 will participate in the play-in tournament. So staying in that top six avoids a sudden-death scenario and gives your team some extra rest.

Minnesota, on the other hand, currently holds the seventh seed in the Western Conference but sits just two games back of the Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz.

Can the Timberwolves get a road victory to bring them one step closer to avoiding the play-in tournament or will the Raptors hold serve at home?

Here are the odds via WynnBET to help us find a winner in this pivotal Timberwolves-Raptors matchup:

Timberwolves vs Raptors Odds, Spread and Total

Spread

• Timberwolves +3 (-110)
• Raptors -3 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Timberwolves: +127
• Raptors: -155

Total:

• 229 (Over -110/Under -110)

Timberwolves vs Raptors Prediction and Pick

Minnesota has lost three of four, but it has come against some brutal competition. The Wolves lost to Dallas, Phoenix and a Boston Celtics team that was actually trying before losing Robert Williams and resting key players in a loss to the Raptors the next night.

So I'm not worried, and just yesterday wrote that the Timberwolves could make some noise in the playoffs.

Over the last 15 games, Minnesota has the second-best net rating in the league with the best offense and third-ranked defense. Toronto has been stout too, ranking eighth in net rating with a top-five defense. But the Raptors' offense is just 16th, so the Timberwolves have an advantage there.

When Toronto beat Minnesota last month, Gary Trent Jr. dropped 30 points and Anthony Edwards didn't make a single shot from the field (0-for-8). I don't think either of those things happens again and love this revenge spot for the surging Timberwolves.

The Timberwolves know that with just six games left, they've got to win as many as possible to avoid the play-in tournament. We should see a fully focused effort against a Raptors team that is just 2-6 ATS in their last eight as a home favorite. Give me the Timberwolves to come out on top and put the pressure on Denver and Utah.

Pick: Timberwolves +127

Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.