Heat vs Timberwolves Free Pick, NBA Free Picks, NBA Predictions 1/6/26
- J.A. Cavalier

- Jan 6
- 3 min read
MIAMI @ MINNESOTA (MIN -5.5, 237.5)
NBA ODDS, NBA PREDICTIONS, NBA PREVIEWS

HEAT @ TIMBERWOLVES 1/6/26
Tyler Herro's return to the Miami Heat is imminent. The big uncertainty is whether Herro will play tonight or if he will sit out one more game. When the Heat play the Minnesota Timberwolves in Minneapolis, they will be aiming for back-to-back victories. Miami just defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 125-106 on Sunday, making it the Heat's fifth victory in the previous six games.
Despite Herro's absence from the court, Miami has had great success. Due to an injury to his right big toe, Herro hasn't played since December 9. Herro's comeback may be imminent as Miami listed him as questionable for Tuesday's game against the Timberwolves. Despite playing in just six games this season, the 25-year-old has averaged 23.2 points on 50.5% shooting.
"We need Tyler," Erik Spoelstra, the coach of the Heat, stated. "It will take some time to get him back into the picture. But we need Tyler's talent and expertise to reach where we need to go. We're currently working on it. When men commit to our identities and are on the same page, we can be extremely dangerous. Tyler has a significant role in that.
The Timberwolves have won consecutive games entering tonight’s matchup. This includes defeating the Heat 125-115 on Saturday night in Miami. Minnesota will now try to defeat the Heat for the second time in four days.
Chris Finch, the coach of the Timberwolves, is hoping for another performance that is full of enthusiasm and effort. He said it was the secret to the team's victory over the Heat this past weekend.
"(They) play a style of play that's really hard to guard," Finch said of the Miami Hurricanes. "I believed that our discipline and game plan at the start of the game set the tone for us. When that occurs, you can tell how mentally prepared, locked in, and concentrated we are to perform."
With 24.4 points per game, Norman Powell leads Miami in scoring. Herro’s 23.2 points per game is second and Bam Adebayo is third with 17.3 points per game. Kel'el Ware, who averages 10.6 rebounds in addition to 12.4 points, is the Heat's best rebounder. Powell's explosive start has sparked rumors that he could be selected for the All-Star team.
"The goal is to go out there and win and showcase all my hard work," Powell stated. "And leave it up to the fans, the coaches that make those decisions."
Anthony Edwards leads Minnesota with 29.4 points per contest. He is hitting 40% from three-point range and 50.6% from the field. Julius Randle scores 22.3 points a game on average. With 14.4 points per game, Jaden McDaniels completes the top three scorers for the Timberwolves.
Due to adductor and left foot issues, Minnesota guard Terrence Shannon Jr. will not play in Tuesday's game. In 22 games this season, Shannon has averaged 4.5 points while coming off the bench. This is the second and final meeting of the season between these two teams.
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FREE PICK
MINNESOTA -5.5
The Heat have won 5 of their last 6 games and covered 5 of 6, but the lone loss is to this Minnesota Timberwolves team. It’s a tough matchup for Miami who ranks in the top-5 in the NBA in shot frequency in the paint. Playing against a team with Rudy Gobert in the middle, hitting those shots in the paint is going to be difficult. Plus, while Miami’s defense feasted on teams like the Pelicans and Pacers, Minnesota put up 125 points in their win on Saturday. Miami is just 3-12 SU in its last 15 games against the TWolves. Minnesota is 3-1 ATS in their last 4 games.

