The Minnesota Timberwolves (32-27) are set to face the Utah Jazz (30-30) on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 9:30 PM ET at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. This Western Conference matchup has major implications for both teams as they fight for playoff positioning.
Team Performance and Recent Form
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves have been inconsistent over the last few weeks, winning just two of their last six games. They are coming off a 112-105 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, where Anthony Edwards led the team with 27 points and 5 rebounds, but the team struggled to generate consistent offense. Jaden McDaniels provided a solid 16-point effort, but injuries to Rudy Gobert (day-to-day) and Julius Randle (day-to-day) have left Minnesota short-handed.
Defensively, the Timberwolves remain strong, allowing 109 points per game, which ranks sixth in the NBA. However, they have struggled in recent games, conceding an average of 118.5 points per game over their last six contests.
Utah Jazz
The Jazz have had a mixed run of form, going 3-3 in their last six games. They are coming off a 115-110 win over the Portland Trail Blazers, where Lauri Markkanen had a stellar performance with 30 points and 8 rebounds, while Collin Sexton added 18 points and 4 assists.
Utah has relied on its balanced offense, ranking 11th in points per game (114.2), but their defense has been a concern, allowing 112.7 points per game. Their ability to control the paint with Walker Kessler and stretch defenses with Markkanen’s shooting will be key in this matchup.
Head-to-Head Matchup
This is the third and final meeting between the Timberwolves and Jazz this season. Minnesota leads the series 2-0, having won the previous matchups, including a 97-87 victory on December 13, 2024.
Historically, the Timberwolves have covered the spread in 10 of their last 15 meetings against the Jazz. However, Utah has been dominant at home this season, winning 18 of their 30 games at Delta Center.
Key Players to Watch
Minnesota Timberwolves
- Anthony Edwards – The All-Star guard is averaging 27.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game, making him the key offensive weapon for Minnesota.
- Jaden McDaniels – A key two-way player who has been stepping up in recent games, averaging 14.3 points per game over his last five outings.
Utah Jazz
- Lauri Markkanen – The 7-foot forward is averaging 23.2 points and 8.1 rebounds per game, leading Utah’s offense with his elite three-point shooting.
- Collin Sexton – A quick, scoring guard averaging 18.5 points and 4.2 assists per game, who will look to exploit Minnesota’s defensive lapses.
Game Outlook and Prediction
Minnesota’s injuries could play a crucial role in this game, as they may struggle to contain Utah’s frontcourt of Markkanen and Kessler without Rudy Gobert. The Jazz will aim to slow down Anthony Edwards, while Collin Sexton’s speed could be a problem for the Timberwolves’ defense.
If the Timberwolves’ defense holds up and Edwards gets hot, they have a chance to steal a road win. However, Utah’s home-court advantage and superior depth might give them the edge in this contest.
Prediction: Utah Jazz 108, Minnesota Timberwolves 103
Broadcast Info: Fans can watch the game live on AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain at 9:30 PM ET.
