Pacers Defeat Timberwolves in NBA Clash
Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Hilton Coliseum
Indiana Pacers 123, Minnesota Timberwolves 112, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Minnesota Timberwolves vs Indiana Pacers?
Indiana Pacers beat Minnesota Timberwolves 123-112 at Hilton Coliseum on October 7, 2026.
Who was favored in Minnesota Timberwolves vs Indiana Pacers?
Minnesota Timberwolves were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -135 (about 57% implied). The underdog won.
In a compelling matchup at Hilton Coliseum, the Indiana Pacers secured a 123-112 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. This win marks a positive start for the Pacers, who now hold a record of 1-0, while the Timberwolves fall to 1-1 in the early stages of the season. The game was notable not only for the scoreline but also for the ongoing rivalry between these two teams, with the Pacers looking to break a two-game losing streak against the Timberwolves from previous encounters.
The Pacers entered the game with a mixed record in their last ten outings, having won only three of those games, and were on a two-game losing streak before this match. Their average scoring during this stretch was 118.1 points per game, but they also allowed an average of 119.7 points, indicating defensive vulnerabilities that needed addressing. At home, they have struggled, recording a home record of 1-5 in their last six games, while their away performance has been slightly better at 2-2.
Conversely, the Timberwolves have shown more consistency recently, boasting a 5-5 record over their last ten games and currently riding a three-game winning streak. They averaged 115.8 points scored while allowing 114.4 points during this period, reflecting a balanced offensive and defensive approach. Their away record stands at 4-3, which suggests they have been competitive on the road.
In terms of head-to-head matchups, the Timberwolves had previously defeated the Pacers in both of their last two encounters, including a 124-104 victory earlier this year. The Pacers were eager to change that narrative and succeeded in doing so with this win.
Injury concerns played a role in the matchup, particularly for the Pacers, who had Larry Nance Jr. and T.J. McConnell listed as day-to-day, while Johnny Furphy was ruled out due to a knee injury. The Timberwolves were also affected by injuries, with Donte DiVincenzo unable to play due to an Achilles issue. These absences could have influenced the teams' strategies and rotations during the game.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Timberwolves favored by 2.5 points, with a total set at 237.5 for the game. The odds reflected a competitive matchup, but the Pacers' performance defied expectations, showcasing their ability to rise to the occasion.
The game conditions were conducive to a high-paced matchup, and both teams capitalized on offensive opportunities. The Pacers' scoring was highlighted by a strong fourth quarter, where they managed to extend their lead through key plays, including a series of successful shots from Keba Keita and Rienk Mast. The Timberwolves fought hard to stay in contention but ultimately fell short in the closing moments.
As the final buzzer sounded, the Pacers celebrated a significant early-season victory, which could serve as a confidence booster as they look to build on this success. The Timberwolves, while disappointed, will need to regroup and address their defensive lapses as they prepare for their next game.
What we said beforehand
The Indiana Pacers are set to host the Minnesota Timberwolves at Hilton Coliseum on October 7, 2026, in a matchup that marks the beginning of their series. This game is particularly noteworthy as the Timberwolves come into the contest with a victory already under their belt, having won their season opener against the Milwaukee Bucks 116-97. In contrast, the Pacers are looking to kick off their season on a positive note after a challenging end to the previous campaign.
The Pacers finished their last ten games with a record of 3-7, and they are currently on a two-game losing streak. Their last five games included a loss to the Timberwolves on April 7, 2026, where they fell 124-104. In those last five games, the Pacers averaged 110.0 points scored while allowing 114.6 points against. Their home record in the last ten games stands at 1-5, highlighting their struggles, particularly when playing at home.
On the other hand, the Timberwolves have shown a more favorable form, finishing their last ten games with a record of 5-5 and currently riding a three-game winning streak. Their recent win against the Bucks not only boosts their confidence but also showcases their scoring ability, averaging 125.6 points over their last five games while allowing 118.2 points. The Timberwolves' away record in their last ten games is 4-3, indicating they have been competitive on the road.
Historically, the Pacers have struggled against the Timberwolves, losing both of their previous meetings this year, including the aforementioned game in April. The Pacers will be looking to change that trend as they face a Minnesota team that has had their number in recent encounters.
In terms of injuries, the Pacers will be without Johnny Furphy, who is out due to a knee issue. Additionally, Quenton Jackson, T.J. McConnell, and Larry Nance Jr. are all listed as day-to-day, which could impact the Pacers' lineup and depth. For the Timberwolves, Donte DiVincenzo is also out due to an Achilles injury, which may affect their rotation.
The betting market has set the Timberwolves as 2.5-point favorites according to DraftKings, with a total points line of 237.5. The odds reflect a competitive matchup, suggesting that the game could be closely contested.
As for conditions, the game will take place at Hilton Coliseum, where the Pacers will be aiming to leverage home-court advantage despite their recent struggles. Fans and viewers should watch for how the Pacers respond to their injury situation and whether they can find a way to exploit any weaknesses in the Timberwolves’ defense. The matchup promises to be an intriguing start to the season for both teams.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MIN -2.5 | 237.5 o -108 / u -112 | Minnesota Timberwolves -135 · Indiana Pacers +114 |
Injury report
- Larry Nance Jr.Day-To-DayHamstringIndiana Pacers
- T.J. McConnellDay-To-DayUndisclosedIndiana Pacers
- Johnny FurphyOutKneeIndiana Pacers
- Donte DiVincenzoOutAchillesMinnesota Timberwolves
Leaders
- PointsAaron Nesmith19Indiana Pacers
- AssistsJarace Walker10Indiana Pacers
- ReboundsBen Sheppard5Indiana Pacers
- PointsAnthony Edwards19Minnesota Timberwolves
- AssistsLaMelo Ball7Minnesota Timberwolves
- ReboundsRudy Gobert9Minnesota Timberwolves
Recent form
Indiana Pacers
Last 10: 3-7Streak L2118.1 scored · 119.7 allowed per game1-5 at home
- L121-133vs Detroit PistonsApr 12
- L94-105vs Philadelphia 76ersApr 10
- W123-94at Brooklyn NetsApr 9
- L104-124vs Minnesota TimberwolvesApr 7
- L108-117at Cleveland CavaliersApr 5
- L108-129at Charlotte HornetsApr 3
- W145-126at Chicago BullsApr 2
- W135-118vs Miami HeatMar 29
- L113-114vs LA ClippersMar 27
- L130-137vs Los Angeles LakersMar 25
Minnesota Timberwolves
Last 10: 5-5Streak W3115.8 scored · 114.4 allowed per game4-3 away
- W116-97at Milwaukee BucksOct 6
- W132-126vs New Orleans PelicansApr 13
- W136-132at Houston RocketsApr 11
- L120-132at Orlando MagicApr 8
- W124-104at Indiana PacersApr 7
- L108-122vs Charlotte HornetsApr 5
- L103-115at Philadelphia 76ersApr 3
- L108-113at Detroit PistonsApr 2
- W124-94at Dallas MavericksMar 31
- L87-109vs Detroit PistonsMar 28
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utah | - | 1 | L1 | .500 | 1 |
| Minnesota | - | 1 | L1 | .500 | 1 |
| Denver | - | 1 | W1 | .500 | 1 |
| Portland | - | 0 | - | .000 | 0 |
| Oklahoma City | 0.5 | 1 | L1 | .000 | 0 |
| Indiana | - | 0 | W1 | 1.000 | 1 |
| Detroit | - | 0 | W1 | 1.000 | 1 |
| Chicago | 0.5 | 0 | - | .000 | 0 |
| Cleveland | 0.5 | 0 | - | .000 | 0 |
| Milwaukee | 1 | 1 | L1 | .000 | 0 |
Box score
| Stat | Minnesota Timberwolves | Indiana Pacers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 37-85 | 48-90 |
| Field goal % | 44 | 53 |
| Three-pointers | 19-41 | 17-32 |
| Three-point % | 46 | 53 |
| Free throws | 19-23 | 10-11 |
| Free throw % | 83 | 91 |
| Rebounds | 39 | 43 |
| Offensive rebounds | 14 | 13 |
| Defensive rebounds | 25 | 30 |
| Assists | 22 | 39 |
| Steals | 10 | 12 |
| Blocks | 7 | 8 |
| Turnovers | 19 | 20 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 28 | 22 |
| Fast-break points | 18 | 15 |
| Points in the paint | 28 | 50 |
| Fouls | 14 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 9 | 13 |
| Lead changes | 7 | 7 |
| Time in front | 37 | 60 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter78-82Jalen Slawson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter78-83Jalen Slawson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter78-86Jay Huff makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jarace Walker assists)
- 3rd Quarter81-86Trey Lyles makes 24-foot three point jumper (Ayo Dosunmu assists)
- 3rd Quarter82-86Terrence Shannon Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter83-86Terrence Shannon Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter83-89Rienk Mast makes 25-foot three point jumper (Braden Smith assists)
- 3rd Quarter86-89Ayo Dosunmu makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 3rd Quarter86-92Ben Sheppard makes 24-foot three point jumper (Braden Smith assists)
- 3rd Quarter87-92Ayo Dosunmu makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter88-92Ayo Dosunmu makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter88-94Kobe Brown makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter91-94Bones Hyland makes 27-foot three point jumper (Cody Williams assists)
- 3rd Quarter91-97Kobe Brown makes 27-foot three point jumper (Braden Smith assists)
- 3rd Quarter91-99Jay Huff makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter94-99Bones Hyland makes 27-foot three point jumper (Trey Lyles assists)
- 4th Quarter96-99Trey Lyles makes 11-foot fade away jump shot
- 4th Quarter98-99Zyon Pullin makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter98-101Ben Sheppard makes 2-foot layup (Jay Huff assists)
- 4th Quarter98-102Ben Sheppard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter98-103Ben Sheppard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter98-106Ben Sheppard makes 23-foot running jump shot (Kobe Brown assists)
- 4th Quarter100-106Cody Williams makes running dunk (Trey Lyles assists)
- 4th Quarter101-106Bones Hyland makes technical free throw
- 4th Quarter101-108Jarace Walker makes driving layup (Braden Smith assists)
- 4th Quarter103-108Zyon Pullin makes 2-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter105-108Cody Williams makes 1-foot running dunk
- 4th Quarter105-111Braden Smith makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jay Huff assists)
- 4th Quarter105-112Jay Huff makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter105-113Jay Huff makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter107-113Zyon Pullin makes running layup
- 4th Quarter107-115Jalen Slawson makes 1-foot layup (Braden Smith assists)
- 4th Quarter107-117Jarace Walker makes 1-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter109-117Isaiah Evans makes 15-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter109-119Rienk Mast makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter110-119Zyon Pullin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter109-121Keba Keita makes layup (Rienk Mast assists)
- 4th Quarter110-123Keba Keita makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter111-123Cody Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter112-123Cody Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Indiana Pacers, below favours Minnesota Timberwolves.
Venue
- Hilton ColiseumAmes, IA
- OfficialsJosh Tiven, Nate Cearley, Chelisa Painter, Bill Kennedy, Brandon Schwab, Brent Haskill
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