Short-handed Timberwolves host Bucks defense ranked 28th

The Milwaukee Bucks (1-5), owners of the league's 28th-ranked defense, visit the Minnesota Timberwolves (4-3) on Monday, November 2, with Minnesota missing its leading scorer, Anthony Edwards.

Milwaukee allows 119.5 points per 100 possessions, third-worst in the league. Minnesota scores 114.5 per 100, seventh, and its effective field-goal percentage of 55.6 ranks sixth, so even a thinner lineup should find clean looks.

The Bucks also take the ball away less than anyone. Opponents turn it over on 10.4% of their possessions against them, the lowest rate in the league, which leaves Minnesota's guards free to run their sets.

The other end tilts the same way. The Timberwolves allow 103.7 points per 100 possessions, fourth in the league, against a Bucks offense that ranks 20th at 107. Net ratings sit far apart: 10.8 for Minnesota, -12.5 for Milwaukee.

The Bucks play fast. Their pace of 105.6 is third in the league, and 45.9% of their shots come from three, eighth.

Tyler Herro carries Milwaukee's scoring at 22 points a game on 46.2% shooting. Myles Turner protects the rim with 2.5 blocks a game, a test for Minnesota's drives.

Rudy Gobert anchors the Timberwolves with 12.3 rebounds a game. LaMelo Ball runs the offense with 6.3 assists and adds 1.9 steals.

Edwards is out with an expected return of Monday, December 21. He averaged 33.3 points in four games. Donte DiVincenzo, who plays 30.5 minutes a game, is also out, with an expected return of Friday, April 2.

Milwaukee arrives on a two-game skid, both lopsided home losses: 136-111 to Cleveland and 132-100 to Houston. Minnesota last fell 121-111 at San Antonio.

Tip-off is at 8 p.m. ET Monday in Minnesota. Sportsbooks' prices give Minnesota a 79% chance to win; the Keel projection puts it at 82%.