Timberwolves vs. Mavericks Preview: Minnesota Looks to Extend Winning Streak

The Minnesota Timberwolves look to extend their four-game winning streak on Thursday, November 12, as they host the Dallas Mavericks at the Target Center at 7:00 PM CT. Despite playing without injured Anthony Edwards, Minnesota enters the matchup riding the momentum of a successful start to their eight-game homestand.

The Timberwolves’ Backcourt Resilience

Minnesota has maintained stability during the early weeks of the season, largely due to the performance of their backcourt. The team has successfully managed the absence of Anthony Edwards—who is currently recovering from knee surgery—by relying on the elite shooting of LaMelo Ball and the consistent contributions of Ayo Dosunmu.

The team’s depth was further highlighted, as the Wolves enter the game with an 8-3 record.

This places them in a tight Western Conference race, just a game and a half behind the 10-2 Los Angeles Lakers. The current eight-game homestand, which began with a 115-100 victory over the Utah Jazz on Sunday, represents a critical stretch for Minnesota to solidify its position in the standings before the month concludes on November 23.

Matching Up With Cooper Flagg

The Mavericks arrive in Minneapolis featuring the play of Cooper Flagg. After a strong start to the season, Flagg is averaging 24 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 7 assists per game. His recent performance has been explosive; he recorded 43 points against the Indiana Pacers on Monday, following a 25-point, 12-assist outing against the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday.

Defending such a versatile forward has historically been a challenge for the Timberwolves.

The team has struggled in recent years against aggressive, physical players who can create their own shots near the rim. To counter Flagg’s influence, the coaching staff is expected to lean on Jonathan Kuminga. Kuminga has already been tasked with guarding players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Paolo Banchero, and Zion Williamson this season, providing the defensive resistance Minnesota requires.

Wolves vs mavericks time tv and injury report nov — Photo: twolvesblog.com

The Tactical Battle at Point Guard

The game also highlights a clash between two of the league’s most effective playmakers in LaMelo Ball and Kyrie Irving. Throughout the offseason, there was speculation regarding a deal to bring Irving to Minnesota, though the team ultimately committed to building around Ball.

“Jaden, give him the three and take away the rest of the floor. Flagg is scoring 25.9 a game on .500 from the field but .292 from three. Read that shooting line as a map: everything he does well happens inside the arc, and everything he does poorly happens outside it.”

This analysis suggests that Jaden McDaniels will likely be instructed to funnel Flagg toward the perimeter, daring him to shoot from distance while keeping Rudy Gobert stationed in the paint. This defensive strategy aligns with Minnesota’s league-leading 106.1 defensive rating.

Ayo Dosunmu’s Expanded Role

Ayo Dosunmu has driven the team's offense during their winning streak. Filling in for the injured Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo, Dosunmu has averaged 21.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4 assists over his last seven appearances. Dosunmu’s transition scoring and “straightforward, no-nonsense approach” have been vital to the team’s current rhythm.

Whether the Timberwolves can maintain this level of production without two of their primary scorers remains the central question for this homestand.

While the team has handled recent opponents effectively, the Mavericks’ duo of Flagg and Irving presents a different defensive test.

The Mavericks remain without center Dereck Lively II, who has yet to appear in a game this season.

As the Timberwolves attempt to capitalize on their rest advantage—having last played on Sunday—the outcome will likely depend on whether their defensive structure can contain a Mavericks team that erased a 13-point deficit in their most recent outing.