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Indiana Pacers vs Minnesota Timberwolves NBA Preview: Pacers May Face Wolves Without Leading Scorer Bennedict Mathurin
The Minnesota Timberwolves return to Target Center for their home opener Sunday, October 26, 2025, to host the Indiana Pacers. Minnesota enters at 1-1 after splitting its road trip, while Indiana arrives winless (0-2) following a tough back-to-back stretch.
The Pacers’ early season has been marred by injuries, including the long-term loss of Tyrese Haliburton and now potential absence of leading scorer Bennedict Mathurin, who exited Saturday’s loss to Memphis with foot soreness. The Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards, are looking to rebound from a 128-110 loss to the Lakers and start building momentum at home.
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Line Movement and Betting Odds
The Timberwolves opened as -11.0 home favorites, while the Pacers sit at +11.0 on the spread. Minnesota’s moneyline is -520, with Indiana listed at +385. The total is set at 229.5, reflecting both teams’ up-tempo offenses and early defensive inconsistencies.
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Matchup Breakdown
The Pacers’ start has been rocky after their Finals run last season. Without Haliburton, Indiana has struggled to create offense consistently. Bennedict Mathurin emerged as the team’s top scorer through two games, averaging 25.5 points before his foot issue. Pascal Siakam, meanwhile, has yet to find rhythm, posting just 13 points on 5-of-12 shooting in the loss to Memphis.
Indiana continues to play at a fast pace, ranking third in field goal attempts and fifth in rebounds per game, but inefficiency inside (45% on two-point shots) has slowed their production. Their aggressive approach has helped force turnovers — the Pacers lead the NBA in steals (4.0 per game) — but that pressure may wane without Mathurin and Taelon Peter, who’s limited by a groin injury.
Minnesota returns home with an elite duo in Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle, both coming off strong individual efforts against the Lakers. Edwards scored 31 points on 57.9% shooting, while Randle contributed 26 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. The Timberwolves’ focus will be tightening their defense after allowing 128 points and over 58% shooting in their last outing.
Explore how these teams stack up in the NBA Western Conference odds and predictions and NBA Eastern Conference odds and predictions.
Key Storylines
Pacers’ Depth Tested by Injuries
Indiana could enter Sunday’s matchup without two key guards. Mathurin’s foot issue and Peter’s groin strain leave Carlisle short-handed in backcourt creation. Siakam will shoulder a heavier load offensively, with Myles Turner and Obi Toppin expected to step up in support.
Anthony Edwards’ Offensive Explosion
Edwards has picked up right where he left off after an All-NBA season. He scored 41 points in the opener against Portland and 31 against the Lakers, showing improved efficiency from the perimeter. His duel with Siakam could define the matchup.
Defensive Regression in Minnesota
The Timberwolves ranked fifth in points allowed last season (109.3 PPG) but have given up 123 per game through two contests. Head coach Chris Finch emphasized urgency and “fly-around mentality” after opponents shot nearly 59% inside the arc. Expect a more aggressive effort defensively at home.
Get player performance outlooks for Edwards and Siakam in the NBA MVP odds and predictions and NBA Most Improved Player odds and predictions.
Injury Report
Indiana Pacers
- Bennedict Mathurin (foot) – doubtful
- Taelon Peter (groin) – questionable
- Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) – out
Minnesota Timberwolves
- Jaden McDaniels (ankle) – day-to-day
- Naz Reid (shoulder) – questionable
For updates across divisions, see the NBA Central Division odds and predictions and NBA Northwest Division odds and predictions.
Prediction
Minnesota’s offense looks sharp early, while Indiana’s depth issues may limit its scoring options. If Mathurin is sidelined, the Pacers will struggle to keep pace with Edwards and Randle’s production. Expect a comfortable Timberwolves win, though Indiana’s pace could keep the score higher.
Projected Score: Minnesota Timberwolves 122, Indiana Pacers 114
Best Bet: Pacers +11.0 (-113)
Secondary Lean: Over 229.5
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