The Phoenix Suns travel to Minneapolis on Tuesday night to face the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center in an important Western Conference matchup. Both teams are battling for playoff positioning, with only a small gap separating them in the standings. Because of that, this game could have a major impact on the race for a guaranteed playoff spot.
Minnesota enters the matchup dealing with a major setback. Star guard Anthony Edwards will miss the game with a knee injury, which significantly affects the team’s offensive rhythm. Edwards has been the Timberwolves’ leading scorer this season, and his absence means other players such as Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo will need to take on larger roles.
Phoenix also comes into this contest facing challenges. The Suns are playing the second game of a back-to-back after losing a tough road game against Boston. Despite Devin Booker delivering a strong scoring performance in that matchup, Phoenix still fell short due to limited offensive support from the rest of the roster.
With both teams facing lineup issues and recent inconsistencies, this game could be decided by depth, defense, and which supporting players step up under pressure.
Match Information
| Match | Phoenix Suns vs Minnesota Timberwolves |
|---|---|
| Date | Tuesday, March 17, 2026 |
| Time | 8:00 PM ET |
| Venue | Target Center |
| Location | Minneapolis, Minnesota |
| TV Broadcast | Arizona’s Family Sports, FanDuel Sports Network |
Team Records
| Team | Record | Conference Position |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Timberwolves | 41–27 | Western Conference playoff race |
| Phoenix Suns | 39–29 | Western Conference contender |
The Timberwolves currently hold a small advantage in the standings, but Phoenix is close behind and could close the gap with a win.
Suns vs Timberwolves Preview
Minnesota has struggled recently and has lost several games over the past week. The team returned home after a difficult road trip and will try to regain momentum in front of its fans. However, the absence of Anthony Edwards is a major concern because he is the primary scoring option and offensive leader for the Timberwolves.
Julius Randle has recently shown signs of strong form, including a high-scoring performance in the last game. The Timberwolves will need similar performances from him along with strong defensive efforts from players like Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels.
Phoenix, meanwhile, has been inconsistent but remains competitive thanks to the scoring ability of Devin Booker. The Suns rely heavily on Booker’s offense, but their defense has been relatively strong this season. If Phoenix can slow down Minnesota’s inside scoring and control rebounds, they could stay competitive even while playing on back-to-back nights.
Also see: Is Anthony Edwards Playing Tonight? Injury Update vs Suns
Recent Form
Minnesota Timberwolves Last 5 Games
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 15 | Thunder | L 103–116 |
| Mar 14 | Warriors | W 127–117 |
| Mar 12 | Clippers | L 128–153 |
| Mar 11 | Lakers | L 106–120 |
| Mar 8 | Magic | L 92–119 |
Minnesota has struggled lately, losing four of its last five games.
Phoenix Suns Last 5 Games
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 17 | Celtics | L 112–120 |
| Mar 14 | Raptors | L 115–122 |
| Mar 13 | Pacers | W 123–108 |
| Mar 11 | Bucks | W 129–114 |
| Mar 9 | Hornets | W 111–99 |
The Suns have been more balanced recently with multiple wins in the past week.
Head-to-Head Record
| Category | Result |
|---|---|
| Total Meetings | Suns lead slightly |
| 2025-26 Season Series | Suns lead 2-0 |
| Last Meeting | Suns won 108-105 |
Phoenix has already beaten Minnesota twice this season, which gives them confidence entering this matchup.
Injury Report
Minnesota Timberwolves
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Anthony Edwards | Out |
| Naz Reid | Questionable |
| Joan Beringer | Out |
| Zyon Pullin | Out |
| Enrique Freeman | Out |
| Julian Phillips | Out |
Edwards’ absence removes Minnesota’s top scorer and playmaker.
Phoenix Suns
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Dillon Brooks | Out |
| Mark Williams | Out |
Phoenix has also been dealing with injuries but has adapted to these absences in recent games.
Probable Starting Lineups
Minnesota Timberwolves
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| PG | Donte DiVincenzo |
| SG | Dosunmu |
| SF | Jaden McDaniels |
| PF | Julius Randle |
| C | Rudy Gobert |
Phoenix Suns
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| PG | Collin Gillespie |
| SG | Devin Booker |
| SF | Royce O’Neal |
| PF | Josh Green |
| C | Oso Ighodaro |
Key Players to Watch
Minnesota Timberwolves
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Julius Randle | Primary scoring option |
| Donte DiVincenzo | Outside shooting and playmaking |
| Rudy Gobert | Interior defense and rebounding |
With Edwards unavailable, Minnesota will rely more heavily on Randle and DiVincenzo.
Phoenix Suns
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Devin Booker | Offensive leader |
| Royce O’Neal | Defensive wing |
| Josh Green | Supporting scorer |
Booker remains Phoenix’s most important player in this matchup.
Team Performance Comparison
| Category | Timberwolves | Suns |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 118.5 | 111.9 |
| Points Allowed | 114.9 | 109.4 |
| Three-Point % | 37.2% | 36.3% |
| Recent Form | Struggling | Slightly stronger |
Minnesota has a stronger offense overall, but Phoenix has been slightly better defensively.
Betting Odds
| Market | Odds |
|---|---|
| Spread | Suns +3.5 |
| Spread | Timberwolves -3.5 |
| Moneyline | Suns +130 |
| Moneyline | Timberwolves -155 |
| Total | 221.5 |
The Timberwolves are slight favorites despite the injury to Anthony Edwards.
Best Player Prop Pick
| Player | Prop Bet |
|---|---|
| Donte DiVincenzo | Over 12.5 Points |
With Edwards out, DiVincenzo is expected to take more shots and increase his offensive role.
Best Picks for the Game
| Market | Pick |
|---|---|
| Spread | Suns +3.5 |
| Total | Under 221.5 |
| Player Prop | DiVincenzo Over 12.5 Points |
The injuries and recent form suggest a tight, lower-scoring contest.
Predicted Score
| Team | Predicted Score |
|---|---|
| Phoenix Suns | 110 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | 107 |
Final Prediction
This matchup features two teams fighting for playoff positioning in the Western Conference. Minnesota normally relies heavily on Anthony Edwards for scoring and offensive creation, but his absence changes the dynamic of the team.
Phoenix, despite playing on consecutive nights, may benefit from the Timberwolves missing their top star. Devin Booker remains capable of carrying the offense, and if the Suns’ defense holds strong, they have a realistic chance to win the game.
Expect a competitive and physical contest with both teams focusing on defense. With Minnesota missing key offensive pieces and Phoenix bringing experience and scoring depth, the Suns have a strong chance to edge out a close victory.
