Utah Jazz vs Minnesota Timberwolves Picks and Prediction for Sunday November 8, 2026
The Utah Jazz will be on the road Sunday night for a Western Conference matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves inside Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The game is scheduled to begin at 7 PM ET. Utah enters Sunday as one of the worst teams in the NBA at 1-8 overall, riding a lengthy losing streak following a 12-point road loss to Dallas last time out. Minnesota returns home at 7-3, riding a three-game winning streak following a six-point road victory against New Orleans. Stay in the action with our NBA Picks.
Utah desperate to end the losing streak
The Utah Jazz offense is averaging 107.8 points per game on 43% shooting from the floor this season. Defensively, Utah is allowing 118.2 points per game and has given up an average of 116 points across its last five losses. Keyonte George leads the Utah offense with 22 points and 5.9 assists per game. Lauri Markkanen is averaging 17.1 points, while Jaren Jackson Jr. adds 16.3 points per game through four appearances. Darryn Peterson contributes 12.6 points per game, and Ace Bailey is the fifth Utah player averaging double figures with 12.5 points and a team-high 7.2 rebounds per game.
Utah struggled offensively in its last outing, scoring just 100 points on 44% shooting and 38% from beyond the arc. Defensively, the Jazz allowed 112 points on 42% shooting from the floor. Utah lost the rebounding battle by 14 and committed 21 turnovers in the loss. Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 24 points and eight rebounds on 20 shots.
Key Injury Report for Utah:
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- Jusuf Nurkic (Out) - Foot
- Jaren Jackson Jr. (Out) - Knee
- Trey Alexander (GTD) - Knee
Minnesota tries to keep rolling
The Minnesota Timberwolves offense is carrying the team this season, averaging 118.8 points per game on 48% shooting from the floor. Defensively, Minnesota has been stout, allowing just 107.7 points per game and an average of 105.3 points during its current three-game winning streak. LaMelo Ball is averaging 17.2 points and a team-high 5.9 assists per game. Anthony Edwards leads Minnesota in scoring with 33.3 points per game but has appeared in just four contests. Jaden McDaniels is averaging 16.4 points, while Ayo Dosunmu adds 16.3 points per game. Rudy Gobert contributes 7.5 points and a team-high 11.9 rebounds per contest.
Minnesota got the job done offensively in its last outing, scoring 115 points on 43% shooting and 31% from beyond the arc. Defensively, the Timberwolves did enough, allowing 109 points on 45% shooting from the floor. Minnesota won the rebounding battle by eight and forced 13 turnovers in the victory. Ayo Dosunmu led the Timberwolves with 26 points on 14 shots.
Key Injury Report for Minnesota:
- Joan Beringer (Out) - Fracture
- Terrence Shannon Jr. (Out) - Hip
- Anthony Edwards (Out) - Knee
- Donte DiVincenzo (Out) - Achilles
Utah Jazz vs Minnesota Timberwolves Picks and Prediction
Pick: Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota has the offensive talent and defensive personnel necessary to control this matchup against Utah. Even without Anthony Edwards, Minnesota has several offensive contributors capable of challenging Utah's defense. However, his absence removes the Timberwolves' leading scorer and makes their offensive efficiency an important consideration when evaluating the spread. Utah has enough young talent to compete offensively, but the Jazz could struggle to consistently generate quality scoring opportunities against Minnesota's defense. The Timberwolves should also have success controlling the glass and creating second-chance opportunities. Look for Minnesota to establish an early advantage with its defensive pressure and offensive execution before pulling away for a comfortable home victory.
Total Pick: Under
Minnesota has the defensive talent necessary to make this a difficult matchup for Utah's offense. The Timberwolves should be able to limit easy scoring opportunities around the rim and force the Jazz into contested perimeter shots. Utah will need to find ways to generate offense, but its inconsistencies could become a major factor against a Minnesota team capable of controlling the defensive end. The Timberwolves should have plenty of scoring opportunities, but Utah could struggle to contribute enough points to push the total higher. Look for Minnesota to control the matchup defensively in a game that finishes under the total.
