Boston Celtics vs
Minnesota TimberwolvesPredictions & Preview

Minnesota Timberwolves Look to Upset Boston Celtics at Target Center on Thursday with Strong Form and Boston's Injury Concerns

The Boston Celtics (24-9) will match up against the Minnesota Timberwolves (17-15) at Target Center on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at 7:30 PM ET. The Celtics previously defeated the Timberwolves 107-105 during their first encounter this season. Boston is favored to win by 4 points according to current betting lines, with an opening line of -5.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Celtics -170 | Timberwolves +150
• Spread: Celtics -4 (-110) | Timberwolves +4 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 220.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Boston will win straight-up is 63%.

Boston vs Minnesota Stats

Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics are currently five games behind the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference, with an impressive 11-3 record on the road. They ended 2024 in style with a dominant 125-71 victory over the Toronto Raptors, led by Jayson Tatum's 23 points. Tatum leads the team in scoring for the season with 28.3 points per game. Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis are also key players, with Brown questionable for the next game and Porzingis listed as out. Boston's offense is ranked fourth in the NBA, averaging 119.5 points per game, while their defense is sixth in the league, allowing just 110.1 points per contest. With a power ranking of 1, Boston excels in offense and defense, hitting an average of 45.81% of their field goals and 79.51% of their free throws. Defensively, they allow an average of 45.79% of field goals and 79.18% of free throws. Overall, the Celtics are ranked #4 in offense, #8 in defense, and have a season record of 24-9. For the best NBA predictions and insights, seek assistance from the Best NBA Cappers.

Minnesota Timberwolves Analysis

The Minnesota Timberwolves have shown flashes of brilliance this season, with Anthony Edwards leading the team offensively and Rudy Gobert dominating on the boards. While the team's defense has been strong, their offense has struggled with consistency. They have been effective from three-point range but need to improve their field goal percentage. Overall, the Timberwolves have a power ranking of 12 and are ranked 23rd in offense and 4th in defense. Choosing the best NBA handicappers can help maximize profits when betting on their games.

Minnesota Timberwolves Showing Strong Form Heading into Matchup Against Struggling Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics have emerged victorious in five of their last six matchups against the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, the Timberwolves have managed to cover the spread in their last four consecutive games. Boston's recent performance has been lackluster, with three losses in their last four games. Conversely, Minnesota is currently displaying better form with three wins out of their last four games, their only loss being a closely contested away game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on New Year's Eve. The Celtics have struggled to cover the spread in seven of their last 10 games, especially with Porzingis sidelined and Brown nursing an injury. Thus, my selection for this matchup is the Minnesota Timberwolves.

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