Boston Celtics vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction NBA Picks 1/2/25
Minnesota Timberwolves (17-15) vs Boston Celtics (24-9)
Game Info: Thursday, January 2, 2025 at 7:30 pm (Target Center)
Betting Odds: Minnesota Timberwolves +3.5 --- Over/Under: 221 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics haven't been at their best lately as they've split their last 10 games, but they will be looking to stay hot after blowing past the lowly Raptors in a dominant 125-71 home win on Tuesday. Jayson Tatum led the team in scoring with 23 points, eight rebounds, and three assists, Payton Pritchard added 19 points off the bench while Derrick White chipped in with 16 points on six of eight shooting. As a team, the Celtics shot 54 percent from the field and a sizzling 22 of 43 from the 3-point line as they set the tone defensively by holding the Raptors to just 12 points in the first quarter. The Celtics absolutely dominated the second half by 80-36 to come away with the monster victory at home.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves were on a three-game win streak before they got stopped in their tracks by the red-hot Thunder in a 113-105 road defeat on Tuesday. Anthony Edwards led the team with 20 points, Naz Reid added 19 points off the bench, while Mike Conley chipped in with 16 points. As a team, the Timberwolves shot 49 percent from the field and 15 of 38 from the 3-point line as they got off to a strong start and took the lead into halftime. The Timberwolves saw their hard work go to waste in the third quarter, where they got outscored by 43-23 to trail by as many as 14 points. Julius Randle had a quiet game as he scored just 11 points on five of 12 shooting, while Donte DiVincenzo shot just three of 10 from the field for his 10 points off the bench.
Why the Minnesota Timberwolves will win
- The Timberwolves have won four of their last five games as home underdogs.
- The Celtics have lost four of their last five games as favorites following a win.
- The Celtics have failed to cover the spread in each of their last nine games following a win.
- The Timberwolves have covered the spread in seven of their last eight games as underdogs following a road loss.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Celtics' last four road games has gone UNDER the total points line.
- Five of the Timberwolves' last six games against opponents who are on the first leg of a back-to-back have gone OVER the total points line.
Boston Celtics vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction
The Celtics are still keeping eyes on Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis who are both questionable, while the Timberwolves are still missing Rob Dillingham. The Celtics were struggling for a bit there as they were dealing with injuries, but they are coming into this game with plenty of momentum after smashing the Raptors by 54 points back on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves were starting to really heat up before they met the surging Thunder in their last game, so they will be eager to bounce back here. The Celtics are more than capable of winning this comfortably despite being shorthanded, but the Timberwolves will like their chances against an injured Celtics team, and I think they will get it done at home.
Peter’s Pick Minnesota +3.5
AUTHOR: Peter Tran
