Minnesota Timberwolves vs Milwaukee Bucks 3 November 2026 Prediction

Minnesota faces an extended stretch without Anthony Edwards. Milwaukee has no listed absences, but it has struggled since Giannis Antetokounmpo's departure. Both teams enter this matchup looking to stop a run of losses.

Minnesota Has Lost Three of Its Last Four

Minnesota has lost three of its last four games. Ball favors a faster pace, while his teammates are accustomed to manager Chris Finch's more deliberate system. The disconnect was evident late in the 119-114 loss to Golden State. The Timberwolves are ninth in the Western Conference at 4-3.

Edwards' absence is the bigger concern. He averaged 33.3 points through four games, and replacing his scoring without a drop in efficiency will be difficult. He is expected to miss about two months.

Minnesota Predicted Lineup: Ball, Dosunmu, McDaniels, Kuminga, Gobert

Other Players: Guards: Shannon Jr., Clark, Hyland, Pullin; forwards: Williams, Beringer, Freeman, Evans, Lyles; center: Zikarsky

Out: DiVincenzo and Edwards (injuries)

Manager: Chris Finch

Milwaukee Has Lost Five of Its Last Six

Milwaukee has struggled to adjust since Antetokounmpo left. Manager Taylor Jenkins' team has lost five of six and sits at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. Recent losses to Houston (132-100) and Cleveland (136-111) exposed its defensive problems.

Herro, who arrived from Miami, is averaging 22 points per game. Milwaukee has not found a consistent second scoring option. It also allows 126.2 points per game, the third-worst mark in the league.

Milwaukee Predicted Lineup: Rollins, Herro, Jaquez Jr., Kuzma, Turner

Other Players: Guards: Berris, Trent Jr., LeVert, Jones, Green, Jakucionis, Ryan; forwards: Ament, Dieng, Markovic, Nance; centers: Sims, Ware

Out: None

Manager: Taylor Jenkins

Minnesota Has Won Three Straight Against Milwaukee

Minnesota has won all three meetings over the past year. The most recent was a preseason game that the Timberwolves won 116-97.

Minnesota vs Milwaukee Prediction: Minnesota Handicap -3.5

Main pick: Minnesota has a deeper roster despite Edwards' absence and has won two of its three home games this season. Milwaukee's defensive struggles and inconsistent scoring make it difficult to back the visitors. The pick is Minnesota -3.5.

Team total pick: Ball should take on more responsibility in Minnesota's offense, including pushing the pace. Milwaukee allows 126.2 points per game and has conceded at least 132 in each of its last two. That supports Minnesota team total over 125.5.