Wolves' top defense faces Cooper Flagg without Anthony Edwards

The Dallas Mavericks (7-4), winners of three straight, visit the Minnesota Timberwolves (8-3) on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET, facing the NBA's best defense while Minnesota plays without Anthony Edwards.

Minnesota allows 104 points per 100 possessions, first in the NBA, and holds opponents to an effective field-goal percentage of 49.7, second. Dallas scores 113.2 per 100, 12th.

The glass is the second front. The Timberwolves grab 31.9% of their own misses, third in the league, while Dallas ranks 20th on the defensive boards. Rudy Gobert averages 12.1 rebounds, 3.9 of them on the offensive end.

That gap widens with Dereck Lively II out. The Dallas center plays 21.2 minutes a game and is expected back Wednesday, November 18, which leaves Daniel Gafford and his 1.8 blocks a game to hold the paint.

Flagg runs the Dallas offense. The forward averages 25.9 points on 50% shooting and leads the team with 6.9 assists and 2.2 steals. P.J. Washington adds 7.6 rebounds a game.

Minnesota is missing its two busiest guards. Edwards, who averages 33.3 points in four games, is out and expected back Monday, December 21. Donte DiVincenzo, at 30.5 minutes a game, is also out until Friday, April 2.

More of the offense falls to LaMelo Ball, who averages six assists in 27.7 minutes. Minnesota still ranks fourth in effective field-goal percentage.

Dallas is also without Sergio De Larrea and Tarik Biberovic, both out until Wednesday, November 18. Morez Johnson is probable.

Minnesota has won four straight since a 121-111 loss at San Antonio. Dallas has won three in a row at home, including a 130-93 rout of Brooklyn, after a 112-111 loss at San Antonio.

Sportsbooks' prices give Minnesota a 66% chance to win. Keel's projection, built from the players available and blended with the market, puts it at 66% and a 4.7-point margin.