Boston Celtics at Minnesota Timberwolves Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 1/2/2025 7:30 PM EST

We have your Boston Celtics at Minnesota Timberwolves prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Boston Celtics hit the road to face the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Boston Celtics at Minnesota Timberwolves Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Boston Celtics -170 (bet365) / Minnesota Timberwolves +145 (bet365)
Best Spread Odds: 3.5 - Boston Celtics -115 (BetMGM) / 4.5 - Minnesota Timberwolves -115 (ESPN BET)
Best Total Odds: 219.5 - Under -110 (Caesars) / Over -110 (BetMGM)

Game Info

Date: 1/2/2025
Time: 7:30 PM EST
Location: Target Center (Minneapolis, MN)
TV: TNT

Boston Celtics Betting Trends

On the road, the Boston Celtics have 11 wins and 3 losses this season.
As the favorite, the Boston Celtics have 24 wins and 8 losses this season.
This season, the Boston Celtics have hit 15 overs and 18 unders.

Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Trends

At home, the Minnesota Timberwolves have 9 wins and 6 losses this season.
As the favorite, the Minnesota Timberwolves have 2 wins and 3 losses this season.
This season, the Minnesota Timberwolves have hit 15 overs and 17 unders.

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Over the past two seasons, the Boston Celtics and Minnesota Timberwolves have faced each other three times, with the Celtics winning two of those encounters and the Timberwolves securing one victory. Notably, all three games were won by the home team, with the visiting team failing to secure a win. In terms of betting outcomes, the Timberwolves have consistently outperformed expectations, covering the spread in all three matchups, while the Celtics have not covered the spread in any of these games. The games have generally been high-scoring affairs, with the total score going over the set line in two of the three contests, and only one game falling under.

The most recent game between these two teams took place on November 24, 2024, with the Boston Celtics narrowly defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 107-105. The Celtics, playing at home, were the favorites with a point spread of -8.0, but the Timberwolves managed to cover the spread despite the loss. The game was characterized by a competitive first quarter, with Jaylen Brown opening the scoring for Boston with a three-pointer. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 28 points, while Jayson Tatum was pivotal for the Celtics, contributing 26 points. The Celtics had a significant advantage in assists and blocks, while the Timberwolves dominated the boards with more rebounds. The game ended with a total score of 212, falling under the over-under line of 222.0.

In the other two games, the Celtics and Timberwolves each secured a victory on their home courts. On January 10, 2024, the Celtics won 127-120 in a high-scoring game that went into overtime, with the total score exceeding the over-under line of 228.0. The Timberwolves covered the spread as underdogs with a point spread of -10.5. Earlier, on November 6, 2023, the Timberwolves defeated the Celtics 114-109 in another overtime game, with the total score slightly surpassing the over-under line of 222.0. In this matchup, the Timberwolves were the underdogs with a point spread of 3.5 and managed to cover it. Overall, these games have been closely contested, with the home team consistently emerging victorious.

Boston Celtics at Minnesota Timberwolves Preview

The Boston Celtics, boasting a strong 24-9 record, are set to face the Minnesota Timberwolves, who stand at 17-15, in a highly anticipated cross-conference clash. The Celtics are riding high after a commanding 125-71 victory over the Toronto Raptors, a game that allowed their starters to rest and recharge. Jayson Tatum continues to be the linchpin for Boston, ranking fourth in the NBA with an average of 28.3 points per game, alongside team-leading figures in rebounds and assists. His ability to stretch the floor with a 36% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc makes him a constant threat.

However, the Celtics face some uncertainty with key players Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis both listed as questionable due to injuries. Brown, who has been a consistent performer with averages of 24.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists, could be a significant loss if he is unable to play. Porzingis, who has missed the last three games, adds another layer of concern with his ankle sprain. Despite these potential setbacks, the Celtics have shown resilience, particularly on the road where they have an impressive 11-3 record this season.

On the other side, the Timberwolves are looking to bounce back after their three-game winning streak was snapped by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Anthony Edwards, the dynamic guard for Minnesota, is pivotal to their success, averaging 24.8 points per game. His recent performances have been stellar, including a 28-point outing against the Celtics earlier in the season. Julius Randle, another key figure for the Timberwolves, brings energy and versatility to the frontcourt, averaging 19.9 points and 6.9 rebounds per game.

The Timberwolves have shown flashes of brilliance, particularly on the defensive end, where they have historically excelled. However, their offensive struggles have been evident, ranking 21st in the NBA with a team offensive rating of 111.3. The recent trade involving Karl-Anthony Towns has reshaped their roster, with new additions like Donte DiVincenzo providing a boost in three-point shooting. Despite these changes, the Timberwolves have struggled with consistency, particularly in maintaining their defensive prowess from last season.

As the Celtics and Timberwolves prepare to clash, the game promises to be a test of Boston's road resilience against Minnesota's quest for consistency. With both teams having something to prove, fans can expect a competitive and high-scoring encounter at the Target Center.

Boston Celtics at Minnesota Timberwolves Pick: Total Points Over

As the Boston Celtics prepare to face the Minnesota Timberwolves, the potential for a high-scoring affair is evident. Both teams have shown tendencies that suggest the total points could exceed the set line of 219.5. The Celtics, fresh off a dominant 125-71 victory over the Toronto Raptors, have demonstrated their offensive prowess, particularly from beyond the arc. Boston has hit 20 or more three-pointers in three of their last four games, showcasing their ability to score in bunches. Jayson Tatum, leading the charge with an average of 28.3 points per game, is a constant threat, and his recent performances indicate he is more than capable of contributing significantly to the scoreboard.

On the other hand, the Timberwolves, despite their recent offensive struggles, have the firepower to keep pace with the Celtics. Anthony Edwards, averaging 24.8 points per game, has been a consistent scorer for Minnesota. His ability to connect from downtown, particularly at home where he shoots 40.7% from three-point range, adds to the Timberwolves' scoring potential. Additionally, Julius Randle's presence in the frontcourt provides another scoring option, as he averages 19.9 points per game.

Historically, matchups between these two teams have been high-scoring. In their last three encounters, the total score has gone over the set line in two games, with both teams demonstrating the ability to score efficiently. The Celtics' recent form, combined with the Timberwolves' potential to exploit Boston's road defense, which allows 36.1% of made threes, suggests that this game could see a flurry of points. Furthermore, the Timberwolves' recent defensive improvements, while notable, have not completely stifled opponents, leaving room for a high-scoring contest.

Given these factors, the over on the total points line appears to be a strong play. Both teams have the offensive capabilities to push the score beyond the 219.5 mark, making this an enticing option for bettors looking to capitalize on the scoring potential of this matchup.

Boston Celtics at Minnesota Timberwolves Top Player Prop Picks

Jayson Tatum Over 9.5 Rebounds +105 (BetRivers)

Jayson Tatum has been a dominant force on the boards for the Boston Celtics, and this matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves presents a prime opportunity for him to continue his rebounding prowess. Tatum has been steadily increasing his rebounding numbers over the past few months, reaching an impressive 11.3 rebounds per game in December. With Kristaps Porzingis questionable due to an ankle injury, Tatum's responsibilities on the glass are likely to increase, making the over on 9.5 rebounds an attractive proposition. The Timberwolves, despite having Rudy Gobert, rank just 21st in rebounds per game this season, averaging 51 per game, which further supports the likelihood of Tatum surpassing this line.

Anthony Edwards Over 3.5 3Fgm +130 (bet365)

Anthony Edwards has been a consistent threat from beyond the arc, particularly in home games where he boasts a 40.7% efficiency. In his previous encounter with the Celtics, Edwards connected on 54.5% of his three-point attempts, scoring 28 points. Given Boston's road defense, which allows opponents to make 36.1% of their threes, Edwards is well-positioned to exceed the 3.5 three-pointers made line. This bet has cashed in nine of his last twelve appearances, and with the Timberwolves needing a strong performance from Edwards to compete with the Celtics, the over on this prop is a compelling choice.

Julius Randle Over 4.5 Assists +105 (DraftKings)

Julius Randle has been a versatile contributor for the Timberwolves, averaging 4.4 assists per game this season. His ability to create opportunities for his teammates will be crucial against a Celtics team known for their defensive prowess. Randle's role in the Timberwolves' offense has expanded following the trade of Karl-Anthony Towns, and his playmaking skills have been on display, particularly in games where the Timberwolves have needed to rely on ball movement to generate scoring opportunities. With the Celtics focusing their defensive efforts on containing Anthony Edwards, Randle is likely to find himself in positions to facilitate, making the over on 4.5 assists a strong play.