LA Clippers vs Minnesota Timberwolves Picks and Predictions for Friday, October 30, 2026
Minnesota welcomes the Clippers to Target Center on Friday, with both teams trying to end losing streaks. The Timberwolves are 3-2, third in the Northwest Division, following Wednesday's 119-114 loss to Golden State. Los Angeles is 1-3, fourth in the Pacific, after losing 103-87 to the Lakers. Friday's meeting is part of NBA Cup group play, with the result also counting toward regular-season records. Tipoff is at 8:00 pm ET on NBA League Pass. Find more Friday matchups in our free NBA picks.
LA Clippers Trying to End Their Losing Streak
Only four games into the season, Los Angeles already has three straight losses. The Clippers opened with a comfortable 121-96 win over Sacramento, but things haven't gone as well since. They lost 125-117 to the Lakers, fell 108-101 at Oklahoma City and then managed just 87 points in Wednesday's 103-87 defeat to the Lakers. Los Angeles has been shooting 49.2% from the field, so accuracy hasn't always been the issue. The Clippers are averaging 22.7 turnovers per game, which is making it difficult to build any momentum.
Darius Garland has averaged 24 points and seven assists, although he's also turning the ball over six times per game. Brook Lopez has made a strong contribution off the bench, scoring 18 points per outing and connecting on 64.5% of his shots. Kris Dunn has been busy at both ends, averaging six assists and 3.3 steals. Rui Hachimura leads the Clippers with six rebounds per game but is questionable for Friday. Los Angeles will need more help on the boards against Minnesota.
Injuries: Brandon Ingram, Bradley Beal, Max Strus and Yanic Konan Niederhauser are out. Rui Hachimura is questionable.
Minnesota Timberwolves Looking to Get Back on Track
Minnesota's first week couldn't have gone much better, with three wins by at least 21 points. The Timberwolves beat Miami 131-106, Orlando 115-93 and Toronto 117-94. Cleveland then handed them their first defeat, winning 127-125 in overtime Monday despite 47 points from Anthony Edwards. Minnesota returned home Wednesday but lost 119-114 to Golden State. Those two defeats have left the Timberwolves at 3-2, although they're still averaging 122 points per game. The concern now is how much scoring they'll lose with Edwards sidelined.
Edwards had been scoring 33.3 points per game, hitting four or five 3-pointers a night before going on the injury list. Minnesota will need more from LaMelo Ball, who has averaged 14.8 points and 6.3 assists. Jaden McDaniels has scored 15 points per outing while shooting 59.1%. Rudy Gobert has been particularly valuable around the basket, grabbing 14.3 rebounds, including five offensive boards per game. Minnesota leads the Clippers by more than 13 rebounds per contest, which could help offset some of the missing scoring.
Injuries: Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo are out.
Key To The Game
Without Edwards, Minnesota needs other players to take more shots, but the Timberwolves should still have a considerable advantage near the basket. Gobert's rebounding gives Minnesota extra possessions, and the Clippers haven't been particularly strong on the glass. Los Angeles also has a turnover problem, averaging 22.7 per game. Garland needs to control the offense without giving Minnesota easy chances. The Clippers could benefit from Edwards being unavailable, but their own missing players make taking advantage of that situation more difficult.
LA Clippers vs Minnesota Timberwolves Game Pick
- Minnesota Timberwolves
Edwards being out makes this a more difficult call than Minnesota's record suggests. The Timberwolves lose their leading scorer, and the Clippers have enough shooting talent to cause problems. Still, Los Angeles has looked poor in three consecutive defeats, particularly Wednesday's 87-point performance against the Lakers. Minnesota should dominate the rebounding battle, with Gobert offering something the Clippers have struggled to match. Ball and McDaniels can also provide scoring without Edwards. I expect Minnesota to recover from Wednesday's loss and win at home.
LA Clippers vs Minnesota Timberwolves Over/Under Pick
- Under
The Clippers managed only 87 points Wednesday and have stayed below 110 in their last two appearances. Minnesota usually scores much more, but Edwards' absence changes its offensive outlook considerably. His 33.3 points per game won't be easy to replace, even with Ball and McDaniels available. The Timberwolves have also allowed fewer than 110 points in three of five games. Los Angeles could struggle with Minnesota's rebounding advantage, limiting second-chance opportunities. I'm expecting a slower scoring night than Minnesota's recent games. Under is the pick.