NBA · Final

Timberwolves Defeat Bucks in Season Opener

116

Monday, October 5, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Fiserv Forum

Minnesota Timberwolves 116, Milwaukee Bucks 97, 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 Milwaukee Bucks?

Minnesota Timberwolves beat Milwaukee Bucks 116-97 at Fiserv Forum on October 5, 2026.

Who was favored in Minnesota Timberwolves vs Milwaukee Bucks?

Minnesota Timberwolves were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -205 (about 67% implied). The favorite won.

In a decisive season opener, the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 116-97 at the Fiserv Forum. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as it marked the beginning of the series, with the next meeting scheduled for November 2. The Timberwolves entered the game with a 1-0 record, while the Bucks were looking to bounce back from their opening loss, bringing their record to 0-1.

The Timberwolves showcased strong form, having won their last two games leading up to this matchup, with an overall record of 5-5 in their last ten games. They averaged 115.2 points scored while allowing 115.5 points during that stretch. Their recent victories included a 132-126 win against the New Orleans Pelicans and a 136-132 win over the Houston Rockets. In contrast, the Bucks struggled, recording a 3-7 record in their last ten games, with an average of 110.8 points scored and 118.7 points allowed. Their most recent game was a loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, where they fell 106-126.

At home, the Bucks had a mixed record of 3-3, while the Timberwolves performed better on the road, achieving a 3-3 record as well. The Bucks' home performance has been inconsistent, and they were on a one-game losing streak entering this contest. In their previous meetings this season, the Bucks had lost both matchups against the Timberwolves, including a significant defeat on January 14, where they lost 106-139.

In terms of injuries, the Timberwolves were without Donte DiVincenzo, who was sidelined due to an Achilles injury. This absence may have impacted their depth, but the team managed to secure a solid win regardless.

The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Timberwolves favored by 5.5 points, with a total set at 231.5. The odds reflected a strong belief in the Timberwolves' ability to perform, given their recent form and the Bucks' struggles. The moneyline odds were set at +170 for the Bucks and -205 for the Timberwolves, indicating a clear expectation of a Timberwolves victory.

The game conditions were typical for an early season matchup, with both teams looking to establish their rhythm. The Timberwolves capitalized on their opportunities, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they pulled away decisively. Key scoring plays included a 24-foot three-point jumper by Antonio Reeves and a 22-foot three-point jumper by Pete Nance, both of which contributed to the Timberwolves' lead.

As the game progressed, the Timberwolves maintained control, with their scoring plays showcasing a mix of inside and outside shooting. Notably, Norchad Omier's layup and Drew Timme's three-pointer highlighted their offensive versatility. The Bucks struggled to keep pace, unable to mount a significant comeback despite some efforts in the fourth quarter.

Overall, this game served as a strong statement from the Timberwolves as they seek to build on their early success, while the Bucks will need to regroup and address their defensive issues as they move forward in the season.

What we said beforehand

The Milwaukee Bucks will face the Minnesota Timberwolves at Fiserv Forum on October 6, 2026, marking the start of their NBA season. This matchup is particularly intriguing as both teams enter the game with a clean slate, holding records of 0-0. The Timberwolves are favored by 5.5 points according to DraftKings, with a total set at 229.5. The Bucks have a recent history of struggles, finishing their last ten games with a record of 3-7, while the Timberwolves managed a better 5-5 record in their last ten outings.

The Bucks' recent form shows a mixed bag of results. They won their last game against the Memphis Grizzlies with a score of 131-115 but lost four of their last five games, including a 126-106 defeat to the Philadelphia 76ers. On average, the Bucks scored 110.8 points while allowing 118.7 points per game in their last ten games, indicating defensive vulnerabilities. At home, they have a record of 3-3, while their away performance was less favorable at 0-4.

In contrast, the Timberwolves are coming off a two-game winning streak, having recently defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 132-126 and the Houston Rockets 136-132. Over their last ten games, they averaged 115.2 points scored and 115.5 points allowed, showcasing a more balanced performance. Their away record stands at 3-3, which could provide them with a slight edge going into this matchup.

Historically, the Bucks have struggled against the Timberwolves, losing both meetings earlier in the 2026 season. The first encounter resulted in a 139-106 defeat for the Bucks at home on January 14, while they lost 103-100 in their previous matchup on December 22. This trend will weigh on Milwaukee as they seek to turn the tide in their favor.

In terms of injuries, the Timberwolves will be without Donte DiVincenzo, who is out due to an Achilles injury. His absence could impact Minnesota's depth and shooting capabilities, adding pressure on the remaining players to step up. The Bucks currently have no reported injuries, which gives them a full roster to work with.

As the teams prepare for this opening night clash, viewers should watch for how the Bucks adjust their defense, particularly against a Timberwolves team that has shown offensive prowess in recent games. Additionally, the performance of the Timberwolves' key players will be crucial, especially in light of DiVincenzo's absence. The matchup at Fiserv Forum promises to be an exciting start to the NBA season, with both teams eager to establish momentum.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	MIN -5.5	231.5 o -112 / u -108	Minnesota Timberwolves -205 · Milwaukee Bucks +170

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Injury report

Donte DiVincenzoOutAchillesMinnesota Timberwolves

Leaders

PointsRyan Rollins15Milwaukee Bucks
AssistsBrayden Burries5Milwaukee Bucks
ReboundsKel'el Ware12Milwaukee Bucks
PointsAnthony Edwards14Minnesota Timberwolves
AssistsTerrence Shannon Jr.4Minnesota Timberwolves
ReboundsJoan Beringer7Minnesota Timberwolves

Recent form

Milwaukee Bucks

Last 10: 3-7Streak L1110.8 scored · 118.7 allowed per game3-3 at home

L106-126at Philadelphia 76ersApr 12
W125-108vs Brooklyn NetsApr 11
L111-137at Detroit PistonsApr 8
L90-96at Brooklyn NetsApr 7
W131-115vs Memphis GrizzliesApr 5
L101-133vs Boston CelticsApr 4
L113-119at Houston RocketsApr 2
W123-99vs Dallas MavericksApr 1
L113-127vs LA ClippersMar 29
L95-127vs San Antonio SpursMar 28

Minnesota Timberwolves

Last 10: 5-5Streak W2115.2 scored · 115.5 allowed per game3-3 away

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
W110-108vs Houston RocketsMar 26

Standings

Team	Games behind	Lost	Streak	Win %	Won
Minnesota	-	0	W1	1.000	1
Utah	-	0	W1	1.000	1
Portland	0.5	0	-	.000	0
Oklahoma City	0.5	0	-	.000	0
Denver	1	1	L1	.000	0
Detroit	-	0	W1	1.000	1
Chicago	0.5	0	-	.000	0
Cleveland	0.5	0	-	.000	0
Indiana	0.5	0	-	.000	0
Milwaukee	1	1	L1	.000	0

Box score

Stat	Minnesota Timberwolves	Milwaukee Bucks
Field goals	40-87	30-91
Field goal %	46	33
Three-pointers	9-35	16-47
Three-point %	26	34
Free throws	27-34	21-28
Free throw %	79	75
Rebounds	51	47
Offensive rebounds	9	14
Defensive rebounds	42	33
Assists	23	19
Steals	9	5
Blocks	7	3
Turnovers	11	17
Team turnovers	2	1
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	11	20
Fast-break points	26	9
Points in the paint	56	26
Fouls	23	28
Largest lead	21	2
Lead changes	4	4
Time in front	96	2

How the scoring went

3rd Quarter73-69Isaiah Evans makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter74-69Isaiah Evans makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter74-70Kevin Porter Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter74-71Kevin Porter Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter74-74Nate Ament makes 23-foot three point jumper (AJ Green assists)
3rd Quarter75-74Zyon Pullin makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter75-76Nate Ament makes two point shot
3rd Quarter75-77Nate Ament makes free throw 1 of 1
3rd Quarter76-77Enrique Freeman makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter77-77Enrique Freeman makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter78-77Zyon Pullin makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter80-77Enrique Freeman makes running dunk (Cody Williams assists)
3rd Quarter81-77Cody Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter83-77Joan Beringer makes driving layup
4th Quarter85-77Antonio Reeves makes 8-foot two point shot (Cody Williams assists)
4th Quarter87-77KJ Martin makes 1-foot layup (Cody Williams assists)
4th Quarter87-80AJ Green makes 25-foot three point jumper (Brayden Burries assists)
4th Quarter89-80KJ Martin makes running layup (Antonio Reeves assists)
4th Quarter91-79Cody Williams makes driving layup (Jaylen Clark assists)
4th Quarter93-80Antonio Reeves makes two point shot
4th Quarter95-80Joan Beringer makes 1-foot dunk (Cody Williams assists)
4th Quarter95-83Gary Trent Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (Caris LeVert assists)
4th Quarter96-83Cody Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter97-83Cody Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter97-84Nate Ament makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter97-85Nate Ament makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter99-85Zyon Pullin makes 10-foot two point shot (Drew Timme assists)
4th Quarter99-87Brayden Burries makes 9-foot pullup jump shot
4th Quarter99-89Brayden Burries makes driving layup
4th Quarter101-89Zyon Pullin makes 1-foot two point shot
4th Quarter103-89Zyon Pullin makes 8-foot driving floating jump shot
4th Quarter103-90Kel'el Ware makes driving layup
4th Quarter105-90Norchad Omier makes 2-foot layup (Antonio Reeves assists)
4th Quarter105-93Pete Nance makes 22-foot three point jumper (Brayden Burries assists)
4th Quarter108-93Antonio Reeves makes 24-foot three point jumper (Zyon Pullin assists)
4th Quarter108-95Kel'el Ware makes 3-foot driving dunk
4th Quarter110-95Antonio Reeves makes 9-foot floating jump shot
4th Quarter113-95Antonio Reeves makes 23-foot running pullup jump shot
4th Quarter113-97Kel'el Ware makes 1-foot driving floating jump shot (Brayden Burries assists)
4th Quarter116-97Drew Timme makes 24-foot three point jumper (Norchad Omier assists)