Whether it’s boredom or injuries or both, the Boston Celtics have slipped into cruise control in recent weeks — but tonight’s matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves should force the defending champs into top gear.
Even so, Minnesota is still searching for a rhythm at 17-15, and my Celtics vs Timberwolves predictions see Boston as a worthy road favorite to tip off the new year.
My NBA picks for this January 2 clash also put a spotlight on Jayson Tatum winning his duel with Anthony Edwards.
Celtics vs Timberwolves prediction
My best bet
Celtics -4 (-105 at bet365)
My analysis
Even with injuries limiting Joe Mazzulla’s ability to put his first-choice starting lineup on the court this year, the Boston Celtics look formidable when they’re locked in.
A depleted Raptors team limped to 71 points against Boston’s airtight defense on Tuesday. I see that intensity carrying over tonight against the Minnesota Timberwolves, who haven’t hit the same heights since the Karl-Anthony Towns trade.
The Celtics have played their best basketball on the road this year, with an impressive 11-3 mark away from TD Garden, and I’m riding with Boston to cover a small spread tonight, even without Kristaps Porzingis.
Meanwhile, Minnesota is 2-5 ATS in its last seven games, and the hosts have only covered the spread in 14 of their last 45 games at Target Center, though they’re 9-6 overall at home this season.
If the two defenses both show up, I prefer to lay the points with the visitors’ more balanced offense. The Timberwolves ran into trouble against the Thunder last time out, and the Celtics are built similarly.
The visitors are still leading the NBA in 3-point attempts and makes this year, and with Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, and Jayson Tatum, they’ve got the stoppers to frustrate Anthony Edwards.
After a few wake-up calls in December, including losses to the Magic, 76ers, and Pacers in the last 10 days, I’m banking on Boston making a fast start to 2025.
Celtics vs Timberwolves same-game parlay
Celtics -4
Jayson Tatum Over 26.5 points
Julius Randle Over 6.5 rebounds
Even within the Celtics’ balanced offense, Jayson Tatum is posting terrific numbers again this year. I’m picking him to shine after a few pedestrian scoring games by his own high standards.
Tatum ranks fourth in the NBA with 28.3 ppg, and this 26.5 O/U line feels a little light given that Porzingis has been ruled out and Jaylen Brown is listed as questionable. He knocked down five 3-pointers in his last matchup against Minnesota, and he poured in 43 points against the Bulls last month.
It’ll be interesting to see how Chris Finch uses his big man rotation against this five-out Boston offense. Still, Julius Randle’s physical post-play is an interesting counter for the Timberwolves at the other end of the floor.
That should guarantee a decent minutes load, and I like the Over on Randle’s rebounds prop tonight, particularly if Rudy Gobert is dragged out of the paint more often than usual. Randle has gone past this 6.5-rebound number in four of his last six contests.
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Celtics vs Timberwolves odds
Celtics vs Timberwolves live odds
Celtics vs Timberwolves opening odds
- Spread: Boston -4.5 | Minnesota +4.5
- Moneyline: Boston -190 | Minnesota +160
- Over/Under: Over 221 | Under 221
Odds courtesy of bet365.
Celtics vs Timberwolves spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Celtics have won eight of the past 10 meetings, and I see that trend continuing tonight, with the Timberwolves falling short of the 110-point mark in eight of their last 10 games.
- Neither team has fared well against the spread this season — Boston is 13-20, Minnesota is 13-19 — but the visitors are coming off two blowout wins in their last three games that flashed their offensive ceiling.
- Both teams have served up three Overs in a row, but Boston has hit the Under in 17 of its past 23 road outings.
- The Celtics have held seven of their last 11 opponents to 105 points or fewer, and the teams’ meeting in November ended in a 107-105 Boston victory.
Celtics vs Timberwolves trend
The Celtics are a first-half machine, cashing the first-half moneyline in 61 of their last 82 games. Find more NBA betting trends for Celtics vs. Timberwolves.
How to watch Celtics vs Timberwolves
| Location: | Target Center, Minneapolis, MN |
| Date: | Thursday, 1-2-2025 |
| Tip-off: | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | NBCSB, SN |
Celtics vs Timberwolves latest injuries
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