Gauging the Minnesota Timberwolves against inferior opponents is a maddening task, and the Charlotte Hornets are certainly an inferior opponent. Gauging Minnesota on the second night of a back-to-back makes the challenge that much more difficult.
But my Timberwolves vs. Hornets predictions and NBA picks see one particular Minnesota veteran that should be trusted against this exact opponent on Wednesday, March 5.
Timberwolves vs Hornets prediction
My best bet
Donte DiVincenzo Over 3.5 made threes (+115 at bet365)
My analysis
The original intention was to bet on Mike Conley to make at least two 3-pointers, but then the Minnesota Timberwolves gave the veteran point guard a rare night off. If Donte DiVincenzo had not returned from a five-week absence due to a turf toe injury, then Conley probably would have been needed tonight.
Instead, DiVincenzo can step into the starting role he was starring in before his injury.
The layoff certainly did not diminish his shooting, going 19 of 36 (52.8%) in his four games back. DiVincenzo spaces the floor for Minnesota in a different way than anyone else does. He prefers to set up in areas that are usually reserved for someone like Damian Lillard or Steph Curry.
Against the Charlotte Hornets, that spacing will be all the more available. Since January 1, the Hornets have given up the fourth-most looks from deep per game in the NBA, with opponents hoisting 39.9 shots from beyond the arc.
If DiVincenzo had not missed time, this prop would, at the absolute least, be juiced to -115. Minnesota was smart with DiVincenzo’s return, giving him an extra week after the All-Star Break to assure the painful toe ailment was that much more resolved. His willingness to launch from deep has not diminished — nine 3-pointers per game while coming off the bench is a rather acute statement.
If DiVincenzo plays more than 30 minutes tonight, he should take at least 10 threes. That will be more than enough to cash this plus-money prop.
Timberwolves vs Hornets same-game parlay
Donte DiVincenzo Over 3.5 made threes
Nickeil Alexander-Walker Over 2.5 made threes
Hornets 1H +4.5
Anthony Edwards openly acknowledges he struggles to find needed focus against inferior opponents. The Timberwolves as a whole struggle with that.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker generally does not, and he has hit at least three shots from long range in four of his last eight games. With the Hornets’ penchant for giving up those looks, asking Alexander-Walker to further DiVincenzo’s emphasis from deep creates an aggressive same-game parlay.
Those 3-point tries will also reflect tired Minnesota legs looking to avoid penetrating. The Timberwolves landed in Charlotte after 4 a.m. this morning, entering the second night of a back-to-back. They are on their fifth game in seven days. Some early struggles will fit hand-in-hand with that usual lack of needed focus.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Timberwolves vs Hornets score prediction
Timberwolves 111, Hornets 101
Charlotte has leaned into its "Capture The Flagg" hopes, going 1-10 outright since February 9 and 4-7 against the spread in that stretch.
Timberwolves vs Hornets odds
Timberwolves vs Hornets live odds
Timberwolves vs Hornets opening odds
- Spread: Minnesota -8.5 | Charlotte +8.5
- Moneyline: Minnesota -360 | Charlotte +280
- Over/Under: Over 221.5 | Under 221.5
Odds courtesy of bet365
Timberwolves vs Hornets spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Timberwolves opened as 8.5-point favorites before their Tuesday night win against the 76ers. This spread climbed to -9 by Wednesday morning.
- It then returned to -8 upon the news that Mike Conley will be out and Julius Randle is questionable. Those updates should not have shifted the spread.
- This total opened at 221.5 and reached 223.5 in the overnight, arguably a reflection of Minnesota’s lack of true stress against Philadelphia.
- The Conley news then jumped this total to 226, an odd shift and one defying much further explanation.
Timberwolves vs Hornets trend
Minnesota is 5-2 against the spread on the second night of its last seven back-to-backs. Find more NBA betting trends for Timberwolves vs. Hornets.
How to watch Timberwolves vs Hornets
| Location | Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC |
| Date | Wednesday, 3-5-2025 |
| Tip-off | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSN |
Timberwolves vs Hornets latest injuries
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