New York Knicks at Minnesota Timberwolves Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 12/19/2024 9:30 PM EST
We have your New York Knicks at Minnesota Timberwolves prop betting and game preview needs covered as the New York Knicks hit the road to face the Minnesota Timberwolves.
New York Knicks at Minnesota Timberwolves Odds Info
Best Moneyline Odds: New York Knicks +115 (BetMGM) / Minnesota Timberwolves -135 (ESPN BET)
Best Spread Odds: -2.5 - New York Knicks -110 (ESPN BET) / Minnesota Timberwolves -105 (BetMGM)
Best Total Odds: 214.5 - Under -110 (FanDuel) / 212.5 - Over -113 (BetRivers)
Game Info
Date: 12/19/2024
Time: 9:30 PM EST
Location: Target Center (Minneapolis, MN)
TV: TNT
New York Knicks Betting Trends
- On the road, the New York Knicks have 8 wins and 6 losses this season.
- As the favorite, the New York Knicks have 1 wins and 1 losses this season.
- This season, the New York Knicks have hit 14 overs and 12 unders.
Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Trends
- At home, the Minnesota Timberwolves have 8 wins and 4 losses this season.
- As the favorite, the Minnesota Timberwolves have 14 wins and 9 losses this season.
- This season, the Minnesota Timberwolves have hit 11 overs and 14 unders.
Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis
Over the past three seasons, the New York Knicks and the Minnesota Timberwolves have faced each other four times, with each team securing two victories. The games have been evenly split between home and away wins, with the visiting team winning twice and the home team also winning twice. In terms of betting outcomes, both teams have covered the spread in two games each. The total points scored in these matchups have resulted in the game going over the set line twice and under twice, indicating a balanced scoring pattern. The games have been competitive, with both teams showing the ability to win both at home and on the road.
The most recent encounter between these two teams took place on January 1, 2024, where the New York Knicks emerged victorious with a 112-106 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Julius Randle was a standout performer for the Knicks, scoring 39 points, including a crucial 20-foot step-back jumper late in the fourth quarter. On the Timberwolves' side, Karl-Anthony Towns contributed significantly with 29 points, highlighted by a 24-foot three-pointer in the final minutes. Anthony Edwards also had a notable performance, scoring 35 points with multiple driving layups. The Knicks dominated the boards, out-rebounding the Timberwolves 49 to 34, and had a slightly better field goal percentage of 43.8% compared to Minnesota's 47.4%. Both teams committed 15 turnovers, reflecting the competitive nature of the game.
In the previous matchups, the teams have shown varied performances. For instance, in the game on November 20, 2023, the Timberwolves won decisively with a 117-100 score, covering the spread as the home favorites. Conversely, on March 20, 2023, the Timberwolves again secured a win, this time as the visiting underdogs, with a high-scoring 140-134 victory. The Knicks had a notable win on November 7, 2022, when they defeated the Timberwolves 120-107 as the visiting underdogs. These games have demonstrated the ability of both teams to perform under different circumstances, whether as favorites or underdogs, and have set the stage for another competitive matchup.
New York Knicks at Minnesota Timberwolves Preview
The New York Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves are set to clash in a highly anticipated matchup at the Target Center, with both teams bringing intriguing storylines and competitive form into the game. The Knicks, currently third in the Eastern Conference with a 16-10 record, have been impressive on the road, boasting an 8-6 away record. Their recent form has been bolstered by the stellar performances of Karl-Anthony Towns, who is averaging 24.8 points and leading the league in rebounding with 13.9 per game. Towns' transition to the Knicks has been seamless, transforming them into one of the league's most potent offenses.
On the other side, the Timberwolves, sitting seventh in the Western Conference with a 14-11 record, have been formidable at home, winning eight of their twelve games at the Target Center. The team has shown significant defensive improvements, holding opponents to just 92.8 points per 100 possessions over their last seven games. Anthony Edwards continues to be a key player for Minnesota, averaging 26.2 points per game and posing a significant threat to the Knicks' defense.
This game also marks the first regular-season meeting between the two teams since the offseason trade that saw Towns move to New York and Julius Randle head to Minnesota. Both players will be eager to make a statement against their former teams. The Knicks have been efficient offensively, averaging 114.6 points over their last ten games, while the Timberwolves have been more defensively oriented, allowing just 97.4 points per game in the same span.
Historically, the matchups between these two teams have been evenly contested, with each team winning two of their last four encounters. The most recent meeting saw the Knicks edge out a 112-106 victory, with standout performances from Randle and Towns. As both teams continue to find their rhythm, this game promises to be another closely fought battle, with both sides having the capability to exploit each other's weaknesses.
New York Knicks at Minnesota Timberwolves Pick: Total Points Over
As the New York Knicks prepare to face the Minnesota Timberwolves, the potential for a high-scoring affair is evident, making the over on the total points an enticing pick. Both teams have demonstrated offensive prowess in recent matchups, with the Knicks averaging 114.6 points over their last ten games. This offensive surge has been largely driven by Karl-Anthony Towns, who has seamlessly integrated into the Knicks' lineup, averaging 24.8 points per game and shooting an impressive 52.6% from the field. His ability to stretch the floor with a 43.9% three-point shooting percentage adds another layer to the Knicks' offensive capabilities.
On the other hand, the Timberwolves, while known for their recent defensive improvements, have also shown they can put up points, especially with Anthony Edwards leading the charge. Edwards is averaging 26.2 points per game and has proven to be a formidable offensive weapon, as evidenced by his 35-point performance against the Knicks in their last meeting. The Timberwolves' ability to assist on 70.1% of their baskets, the fourth highest in the league, indicates a well-rounded offensive approach that can exploit any defensive lapses by the Knicks.
Historically, the matchups between these two teams have been competitive and high-scoring. In their most recent encounter, the Knicks secured a 112-106 victory, with both teams showcasing their offensive talents. The Knicks' ability to dominate the boards, as seen in their 49 to 34 rebounding advantage in that game, provides them with additional scoring opportunities, further supporting the case for a high-scoring game.
While the Timberwolves have been defensively stout, allowing just 97.4 points per game over their last ten, the Knicks' offensive efficiency and the presence of Towns could challenge Minnesota's defense. Given the offensive firepower on both sides and the potential for standout performances from key players like Towns and Edwards, the over on the total points is a compelling choice for this matchup.
New York Knicks at Minnesota Timberwolves Top Player Prop Picks
Karl-Anthony Towns Over 23.5 Points -109 (Caesars)
Karl-Anthony Towns has been a transformative force for the New York Knicks this season, averaging 24.8 points per game, which is the highest of his career. His efficiency is notable, with a 52.6% field goal percentage and an impressive 43.9% from beyond the arc. As Towns returns to face his former team, the Minnesota Timberwolves, he will be motivated to deliver a standout performance. The Timberwolves have been defensively solid, but Towns' ability to stretch the floor and dominate inside makes him a formidable challenge for any defense. Given his current form and the emotional backdrop of this matchup, betting on Towns to exceed 23.5 points is a compelling choice.
Anthony Edwards Over 25.5 Points -105 (BetRivers)
Anthony Edwards has been a consistent offensive powerhouse for the Timberwolves, averaging 26.2 points per game. His previous encounter with the Knicks saw him explode for 35 points, showcasing his ability to take over games. With the Timberwolves focusing their offensive strategy around Edwards, especially after the trade of Towns, he is expected to be the focal point of their attack. The Knicks' defense has been solid, but Edwards' dynamic scoring ability and his knack for rising to the occasion in big games make the over on 25.5 points a strong proposition.
Julius Randle Over 3.5 Assists -104 (FanDuel)
Julius Randle, now with the Timberwolves, has been a key playmaker, and his role in facilitating the offense is crucial. The Timberwolves have been assisting on 70.1% of their baskets, the fourth highest in the league, indicating a team-oriented approach that relies on ball movement. Randle's ability to draw defenses and find open teammates will be vital against a Knicks team that has been defensively sound. With the added motivation of facing his former team, Randle is likely to be heavily involved in the Timberwolves' offensive schemes, making the over on 3.5 assists a promising bet.