Timberwolves Host Raptors in Tight NBA Matchup

Minnesota looks to extend winning streak against Toronto's road struggles

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Toronto Raptors (35-26) visit the Minnesota Timberwolves (39-23) on Thursday night for an 8 p.m. ET tip-off at Target Center in Minneapolis. The Timberwolves have won four straight games, while the Raptors have dropped three of their last four. Minnesota won the first matchup between these teams 128-126 on Feb. 4, with Toronto covering as 2.5-point underdogs.

Why it matters

This game features two teams jockeying for playoff positioning in the NBA's highly competitive Eastern and Western Conferences. The Timberwolves are looking to extend their winning streak and solidify their hold on a top-four seed in the West, while the Raptors are hoping to bounce back on the road after a recent slump.

The details

The Timberwolves are 7-1 in their last 8 games and 21-11 at home this season. However, they have struggled to cover the spread lately, going 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games, including 0-5 ATS in their last 5 as favorites. The Raptors, on the other hand, are 6-4 ATS in their last 10 games and 2-1 ATS in their last 3 as underdogs. The last matchup between these teams was a close one, and this game is expected to be similarly tight.

  • The Timberwolves and Raptors last met on February 4, with Minnesota winning 128-126.
  • This game is scheduled for Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 8 p.m. ET.

The players

Anthony Edwards

The Timberwolves' star guard, who scored a game-high 41 points in their last outing against the Grizzlies.

Julius Randle

The Timberwolves' forward, who recorded a double-double (23 points, 11 rebounds) in the team's win over the Grizzlies.

Brandon Ingram

The Raptors' leading scorer with 31 points in their loss to the Knicks.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Timberwolves and Raptors will meet again on March 15 in Toronto.

The takeaway

This game features two teams heading in opposite directions, with the Timberwolves looking to extend their winning streak and the Raptors hoping to bounce back on the road. While Minnesota has the edge at home, the close nature of their previous matchup suggests this could be another tight contest.