PREVIEW: The Phoenix Suns and Minnesota Timberwolves clash at Mortgage Matchup Center in an NBA Cup tournament group play matchup , with both teams riding impressive recent form heading into Friday's showdown. The Suns have won six of their last seven games , showcasing offensive efficiency that has propelled them back into contention after a sluggish start to the season. The Timberwolves arrive with four wins in their last five matches and are riding a two-match winning streak , demonstrating the kind of defensive intensity and balanced scoring that has made them a Western Conference fixture. Minnesota enters as the slight favorite in the matchup , though the margin remains narrow given Phoenix's resurgence on home hardwood. The Suns rank seventh in the Western Conference while the Timberwolves sit sixth , setting up a crucial mid-table battle with playoff implications. The Timberwolves have won eight consecutive games against the Suns and claimed eight victories in the past ten head-to-head matchups , establishing a clear historical advantage that cannot be overlooked. Phoenix remains formidable at home with five wins in their last six matches , giving them legitimate hope of snapping an unfavorable trend against their division rival. Both squads bring balanced rosters and complementary skill sets to the floor, ensuring this Western Conference battle will test execution on both ends of the court.