Suns vs Timberwolves prediction: Can Phoenix end Minnesota’s streak?

The Phoenix Suns visit the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on December 8, 2025, in the only nationally televised NBA game of the night. Minnesota enters on a five game winning streak, while Phoenix is shorthanded but still searching for another statement road win, making this Suns vs Timberwolves prediction a key early season storyline in the Western Conference.

The Suns are 13-10 and adjusting without injured star guard Devin Booker, while the Timberwolves are 15-8 and rolling behind Anthony Edwards’ breakout scoring surge. Phoenix already stunned Minnesota once with a late comeback, so the home side has revenge on its mind as both teams chase playoff seeding momentum before the calendar turns to 2026.

How Suns vs Timberwolves shapes up on December 8, 2025

Coming into this Suns vs Timberwolves prediction, Phoenix is trying to bounce back from a difficult offensive night in Houston. In that loss, the Suns shot under 40 percent from the field and struggled badly from three point range, highlighting how much Booker’s groin injury has changed their margin for error on offense.

Even with Booker sidelined, Phoenix has found new contributors. Backup point guard Collin Gillespie has grown into a real engine for the second unit and, at times, the starting lineup, providing confident three point shooting and steady ball handling. Dillon Brooks, an offseason addition, has given the Suns physical wing defense and scoring on the perimeter, though he has been managing Achilles soreness and is listed as a question mark for this matchup.

The Timberwolves, meanwhile, come into the game riding five straight wins and a 15-8 record. Anthony Edwards is averaging 28.1 points per game this season while shooting 48.8 percent from the field and 41.6 percent from three, numbers that put him firmly among the league’s top scorers. He has already posted multiple 40 point games during this stretch and has carried Minnesota in crunch time on several occasions.

Minnesota’s success is not just about Edwards. Big man Rudy Gobert is anchoring the paint with efficient scoring and double digit rebounding, while Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels give the Timberwolves additional scoring options and physicality in the frontcourt. As a group, they have recently posted explosive offensive outings, including a 149 point performance against New Orleans, showing how dangerous their attack can be when the ball is moving.

These teams already met once this season, when Phoenix erased an eight point deficit in the final minute and stole a dramatic win capped by a Gillespie game winner. That collapse cost Minnesota a chance to keep progressing in the NBA Cup and still lingers as motivation heading into this rematch on their home floor.

Suns vs Timberwolves prediction and key factors to watch

The first key to this Suns vs Timberwolves prediction is how Phoenix handles Minnesota’s pressure on both ends without Booker and Jalen Green. Without their leading scorer, the Suns must rely on ball movement, spacing, and collective scoring rather than isolation play. Gillespie’s decision making and Grayson Allen’s shooting become crucial, especially if Brooks is limited or unavailable.

Defensively, Phoenix has been active in passing lanes and is among the league leaders in steals, but recent games have exposed trouble containing opposing offenses. Over the last several outings, the Suns have allowed opponents to score efficiently from the field and from beyond the arc. Against a Timberwolves team that ranks near the top of the league in three point accuracy, any slow rotations or miscommunications on the perimeter can quickly snowball.

For Minnesota, the main question is focus. During their current run, they have shown they can dominate strong opponents but have also produced stretches of stagnant one on one offense and careless turnovers. When the Timberwolves share the ball and trust their spacing, Edwards attacks off the catch, Randle punishes mismatches, and shooters around them find rhythm. When the offense stalls, Phoenix’s opportunistic defense can create easy transition chances the other way.

The emotional component also matters. The last meeting ended in a shocking Suns comeback, and Minnesota’s players and staff have openly acknowledged that collapse as a missed opportunity. That gives the Timberwolves extra motivation to start fast, protect the ball, and close quarters with discipline instead of relaxing with a lead. Phoenix, on the other hand, now knows it can compete with this group even on an off night, which should give the Suns confidence in another tight fourth quarter.

Frontcourt size is another swing factor. Gobert’s presence on the glass and at the rim challenges Mark Williams and the rest of Phoenix’s bigs to be physical without fouling. If Minnesota controls the boards, especially on the offensive glass, the Suns will be forced to play in the half court more often and will struggle to find the easy early offense they need without their full complement of scorers.

Putting it all together, the most logical Suns vs Timberwolves prediction is a competitive game that leans toward Minnesota’s depth, health, and recent form. Expect Phoenix to fight behind Gillespie’s energy and Brooks’ edge if he plays, but the Timberwolves’ size, shooting and Edwards’ star power should carry them to a home win by single digits, something in the range of a 118-110 Minnesota victory.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who is favored in the Suns vs Timberwolves prediction for December 8, 2025?

Minnesota enters this matchup in better overall form, with a 15-8 record and a five game winning streak. Phoenix is competitive but dealing with key injuries, so most analysis gives the Timberwolves a slight edge at home.

Q2: How do injuries affect the Suns vs Timberwolves prediction?

The Suns are without Devin Booker because of a groin injury, and Jalen Green is also sidelined. Dillon Brooks has been managing Achilles soreness, which could limit Phoenix’s wing defense if he is not at full strength, tilting this prediction toward Minnesota.

Q3: What recent form should fans know before the Suns vs Timberwolves game?

The Timberwolves have won five straight games and have posted some big scoring nights during that run. The Suns recently struggled in Houston but have already beaten Minnesota once this season with a late comeback, so they are not overmatched.

Q4: Which players matter most in Suns vs Timberwolves on December 8, 2025?

Anthony Edwards is the central figure for Minnesota, averaging over 28 points per game with strong outside shooting. For Phoenix, Collin Gillespie’s playmaking, Grayson Allen’s shooting, and Dillon Brooks’ perimeter defense (if available) are critical to keeping the game close.

Q5: What is the bottom line for Suns vs Timberwolves on national TV?

The matchup should be a strong early season Western Conference test for both sides. Minnesota has the stability, health, and star power to close the game out, while Phoenix will look to grind out another upset by leaning on depth and discipline on the road.