Minnesota @ Boston preview

Last Meeting ( Mar 15, 2017 ) Minnesota 104, Boston 117

The Boston Celtics seek their longest winning streak since their memorable 16-game run earlier this season when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. The Celtics rebounded from a 5-6 stretch with four straight wins, including a decisive 102-88 triumph over Eastern Conference rival Cleveland on Wednesday at home.

Reserve guard Terry Rozier led a balanced attack with 20 points in 20 minutes for Boston, which downplayed the big win and immediately moved on. "I mean, they were playing on the second night of a back-to-back, we had a couple of days off, we looked fresh, I thought, which is a welcome sign," coach Brad Stevens told the media. "And then, and then we've got a tough one Friday, that we've got to turn our attention to." The Timberwolves won seven of eight before they were done in by a late jumper in a 98-97 loss at Brooklyn on Wednesday. Jimmy Butler stayed hot with 30 points but missed a potential game-winner at the buzzer.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, NBCS Boston

ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (24-15): Butler made 16-of-18 free throws in Wednesday's loss but contributed to a dismal perimeter game for Minnesota, which made a season-low one 3-pointer in 11 attempts. "The thing is, I told them this: 'It may not be going our way early but then we've got to make it go our way,'" coach Tom Thibodeau said after his team rallied from an eight-point deficit in the third quarter. "I thought we showed some resiliency in the second half but we talked about how important it is to play for 48 minutes and sometimes you miss some shots." Karl-Anthony Towns missed all four of his 3-point tries but finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds for his league-leading 31st double-double.

ABOUT THE CELTICS (31-10): Rozier and three other reserves - Marcus Smart, Aron Baynes and Daniel Theis - combined to shoot 19-for-31 from the floor and make 9-of-14 3-pointers in the win over the Cavaliers. "Just playing ball," Rozier told the media when asked of his aggressive approach. "Same thing applies. Not thinking. Just having a lot of fun. Competing. It opened it up for me." Kyrie Irving was held to 11 points - more than 13 below his average - but set a season high for rebounds for the second straight game with nine.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Celtics have won 11 straight meetings at home.

2. Rozier is 15-for-27 from 3-point range over a five-game stretch after going 0-for-6 in his previous three contests.

3. Butler scored at least 20 points in nine straight outings.

PREDICTION: Celtics 108, Timberwolves 104