The Milwaukee Bucks are in a precarious position as they head into a tough road game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Their season, which once looked promising, is showing signs of a serious collapse, primarily due to the continued absence of their talisman, Giannis Antetokounmpo. The 'Greek Freak' will once again be sidelined when the Bucks tip-off at the Target Center, facing a Wolves team riding high on confidence with their own superstar back in action.
Timberwolves Riding a Wave of Momentum
The Minnesota Timberwolves are one of the hottest teams in the NBA right now. Their momentum was supercharged by a statement victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night. That win, one of their biggest this season, improved their overall record to an impressive 18-10. More notably, they have won eight of their last ten games, showcasing remarkable consistency. The victory was especially sweet as it handed the mighty Thunder only their third loss of the entire 2025-26 campaign.
Anthony Edwards has been central to this surge. In the win against OKC, he hauled in 12 rebounds, marking the fourth consecutive game where he has achieved a double-digit rebound total. This represents a significant uptick in effort and production on the glass compared to his November average of just 4.6 rebounds per game.
Bucks' Struggles Amplify Without Their Star
For the Bucks, the story is starkly different. They are hoping to snap a two-game losing streak in this contest. The team's performance has sharply diverged based on location. At home, they hold a respectable 8-8 record. However, their road form is a major concern, with a dismal 3-9 record away from Milwaukee. Playing without Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is out with a calf injury, and Taurean Prince, makes an already difficult road trip even more daunting.
The onus will fall on players like Myles Turner to step up. Turner, who is averaging 5.5 rebounds this season, will need to adopt a physical, dominant mindset to counter Minnesota's formidable frontcourt led by Rudy Gobert. His performance on the glass will be critical if the Bucks are to have any chance of matching the Timberwolves' intensity.
Game Details and How to Watch
The Minnesota Timberwolves vs Milwaukee Bucks matchup is scheduled for Sunday, December 21, at 7:10 p.m. EST. The game will be played at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Fans in India and globally can catch the action on several platforms. The local broadcasts will be on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin (Bucks feed) and Bally Sports North (Timberwolves feed). Additionally, the game will be available for streaming on Fubo and Prime Video.
Expected Lineups and Injury Report
Minnesota Timberwolves Expected Starters:
- PG: Donte DiVincenzo
- SG: Anthony Edwards
- SF: Jaden McDaniels
- PF: Julius Randle
- C: Rudy Gobert
Milwaukee Bucks Expected Starters:
- PG: Ryan Rollins
- SG: AJ Green
- SF: Gary Trent Jr.
- PF: Kyle Kuzma
- C: Myles Turner
Injury Report: The Timberwolves have no players listed on their injury report. For the Bucks, the situation is grim: Giannis Antetokounmpo is out (calf) and Taurean Prince is out (post-surgery).
Prediction and Final Thoughts
This game is the fourth in a five-game homestand for Minnesota, and they will be eager to capitalize on facing a depleted opponent. The Timberwolves' recent form, combined with their defensive prowess and the explosive play of Anthony Edwards, makes them the clear favourites. For the Bucks, stopping their slide will require a herculean collective effort. Without their best player, they must find a way to be more competitive on the road. Based on current trajectories, the Minnesota Timberwolves are positioned to secure a comfortable victory and continue their climb up the Western Conference standings, while the Bucks' struggles look set to continue.
