Utah visits Minnesota at Target Center on Sunday at 7:00 p.m. ET. Utah coverage includes KJZZ, with NBA League Pass available subject to local restrictions. Minnesota is favored by 11.5, and the total is 223.5. The Timberwolves have kept winning without Anthony Edwards. The question is whether Utah can score enough to make the big number uncomfortable. See more of our NBA picks.
Utah Has to Find Points Beyond Its First Option
The Jazz are 1-8 and 0-4 on the road after losing 112-100 in Dallas on Friday. Utah scored just 17 in the third quarter after entering halftime down two. The problem for a double-digit underdog is how quickly one quarter like that can put the game out of reach.
Utah averaged 107.8 points and allowed 119.0 through its first eight games. Minnesota can make that scoring problem worse by crowding the paint and forcing Utah to earn points with jumpers. The Jazz need to get into their offense early enough to have time for another action when the first one goes nowhere.
Lauri Markkanen scored 24 against Dallas, and Keyonte George entered the matchup averaging 22 points and 5.9 assists. George has to keep teammates involved if Minnesota takes away Markkanen’s first catch. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jusuf Nurkic were listed out in the early snapshot, so confirm Utah’s frontcourt availability before tipoff.
Minnesota Can Build the Margin on Defense
The Timberwolves are 7-3 and 3-1 at home. They beat New Orleans 115-109 on Friday, their third straight win. Minnesota comes home with a better matchup than it had Friday, particularly when Utah is trying to create against a set defense.
Minnesota entered the New Orleans game averaging 118.8 points and allowing 107.6. The defense is the stronger reason to lay the points. The Wolves can create a gap by holding Utah down for several possessions in a row, which makes it less important for Minnesota to replace all of Edwards’ scoring in one place.
Ayo Dosunmu led Minnesota with 26 points against New Orleans. Edwards underwent a procedure on his right knee in late October, so the Wolves have had to find scoring from several players. If Dosunmu and the other guards get downhill without forcing shots, Minnesota can make Utah defend longer possessions instead of giving it a chance to run the other way.
Jazz vs Timberwolves Matchup Chart
| Category | Utah | Minnesota |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 1-8 | 7-3 |
| Road or home record | 0-4 road | 3-1 home |
| Points per game through Nov. 5 | 107.8 | 118.8 |
| Points allowed through Nov. 5 | 119.0 | 107.6 |
| Friday result | Lost to Dallas 112-100 | Beat New Orleans 115-109 |
Utah Jazz vs Minnesota Timberwolves Picks and Prediction
Spread Pick: Minnesota Timberwolves -11.5
I’ll lay 11.5 with Minnesota. Utah has struggled to score on the road, and the Wolves have been able to get stops even when their own offense isn’t especially sharp. Edwards’ absence makes me reluctant to lay much more, and a late Utah run against the reserves is a real risk. Minnesota still has a clear way to win by double digits.
Total Pick: Under 223.5
Utah scored 100 on Friday, and Minnesota’s defense gives me little reason to project a big jump. The over can get there if the Wolves turn Utah turnovers into a lot of quick points, but a controlled Minnesota win is more likely in my view. I project Minnesota 116, Utah 102.
Final Picks: Minnesota Timberwolves -11.5 and Under 223.5.
Completed November 7, 2026. Betting lines and player availability can change before tipoff.