Minnesota Timberwolves vs Phoenix Suns

Most of the time, hate is a destructive and unproductive emotion. But for Jaden McDaniels, his disdain for the Phoenix Suns is different—it fuels him. The Minnesota Timberwolves forward rarely shows emotion, yet his animosity toward Phoenix is unmistakable, and it’s been a key factor in the Timberwolves’ seven-game winning streak against them.

In their three matchups this season, McDaniels has consistently dominated, recording three steals in two of those games. His relentless defense on Devin Booker is personal, translating into disruptive plays and fast hands.

When Anthony Edwards famously declared, “They got KD, but we got Jaden McDaniels,” it wasn’t just hype—McDaniels took it as a challenge, even locking up Kevin Durant. And when Bol Bol is on the floor? Consider him an easy turnover waiting to happen for McDaniels.

This isn’t an exaggeration. McDaniels, who rarely cracks a smile (let alone for cameras), seems to take particular joy in shutting Booker down—especially when the Suns star complains to the refs. And after Bradley Beal’s dangerous mid-air shove on Edwards in their March 2 blowout loss, it’s safe to say Beal just made McDaniels’ list, too.

In addition to that unhealthy bit of animosity, McDaniels finds the Suns to be a fine opponent. In four of Minnesota's seven consecutive victories over the Suns, as well as in each of his previous two games versus Phoenix, he has cleared this prop.

Why? The reason for this is because McDaniels can reach over both Mason Plumlee and Royce O'Neale, who are the rotation's top rebounders, for rebounds.

Although the Timberwolves' seven-game winning streak against the Suns isn't enough to warrant betting on them to go to the eighth round, the seven-point favorite should at least win because Minnesota has had three days off and is in dire need of turning things around.

The Phoenix Suns have dropped their last three away games. At Footprint Center, they most recently suffered a 132-102 home loss against the Boston Celtics. Nick Richards scored ten points, Devin Booker scored fourteen, and Kevin Durant scored thirty.

The Minnesota Timberwolves lost their most recent game. The Indiana Pacers defeated them 119-103 on the road at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Rudy Gobert scored 16 points and pulled down 16 rebounds, Anthony Edwards scored 17, and Naz Reid scored 20 points.

The Wolves prevailed in their most recent encounter. enjoying a victory against the Suns at Footprint Center, 116-98. When the Wolves meet the Suns, they have won seven straight games. They have won seven of the last ten head-to-head matches.