Celtics vs Timberwolves NBA Predictions, Odds, Props & Picks (1/2)

NBA bettors will be treated to a massive inter-conference showdown when the Boston Celtics (24-9) and Minnesota Timberwolves (17-15) collide at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday. Tonight’s NBA on TNT showdown is ripe with Celtics vs. Timberwolves betting opportunities, and this preview is here to help you get the most out of your experience — whether that’s with the latest odds or some helpful pick suggestions.

Does Boston have what it takes to start building momentum back up? Or will Minnesota find a way to stand tall at Target Center?

Let’s discuss the answers to those questions by diving into tonight’s Celtics vs. Timberwolves predictions and best bets!

2024-25 NBA Game Predictions: 26-18-0 (59.1%)

2024-25 NBA Best Bet + Prop Record: 46-42-0 (52.3%)

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NBA Betting: Celtics vs Timberwolves Preview (1/2)

Celtics vs Timberwolves Betting Information

• Matchup: Boston Celtics (24-9, 11-3 Away) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (17-15, 9-6 Home)
• Venue & Location: Target Center (Minneapolis, MN)
• Date: Thursday, Jan. 2, 2024
• Game Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
• How to Watch Celtics vs. Timberwolves: TNT

Celtics vs Timberwolves NBA Betting Odds

All NBA odds are courtesy of BetOnline as of Thursday, Jan. 2 at 10:37 a.m. ET. Odds from other sportsbooks may also be mentioned in this article.

Celtics vs Timberwolves Spread

• Boston Celtics -4.5 (-110)
• Minnesota Timberwolves +4.5 (-110)

Timberwolves vs Celtics Over/Under

• Over 219 Points (-105)
• Under 219 Points (-115)

Celtics vs Timberwolves Moneyline

• Boston Celtics -180
• Minnesota Timberwolves +160

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Celtics vs Timberwolves NBA Betting Trends

• Boston is 14-2 straight up in its last 16 games vs. Minnesota.
• Minnesota is 0-5 straight up in its last five games vs. the Eastern Conference.
• Boston is 6-14 ATS in its last 20 games.
• Minnesota is 4-1 ATS in its last five games vs. Boston.
• The total hit the Under in seven of Boston’s last nine games played in January.
• The total hit the Under in 12 of Minnesota’s last 18 games.

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Celtics vs Timberwolves NBA Predictions & Picks (1/2)

It isn’t a secret that the Celtics have looked “off” as of late.

After an impressive 21-5 start to the 2024-25 season, Joe Mazzulla’s team has looked more mortal as of late, having played to a 3-4 SU record in their last seven games. Having said that, the Celtics did notch a lopsided 125-71 victory over the Toronto Raptors on New Year’s Eve, leaving time to tell if they can record consecutive wins for the first time since the middle of December.

The good news for the visitors is that a meeting with the Timberwolves could be exactly what the doctor ordered. After all, the Celtics are a dominant 14-2 SU cross their last 16 encounters with the Timberwolves, which includes a 107-105 win at TD Garden back in November. It is worth noting, though, that both of those losses occurred in two of Boston’s last three trips to Minnesota.

The Timberwolves could be in a vulnerable position at the moment after Tuesday’s 113-105 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder halted the former’s win streak at three games. Unfortunately, playing at Target Center might not provide much of a boost given that Minnesota is 1-2 SU with a minus-11.3 average scoring margin in its last three home games.

Do the Celtics have what it takes to add to the Timberwolves’ recent woes at Target Center? 

There’s a good chance that the Timberwolves won’t be able to keep up with the Celtics’ offense. Boston ranks third in offensive efficiency as it averages 119.6 points (4th) and 18.5 threes made (1st) per game this season. For comparison, Minnesota is the 11th-least efficient team this year while averaging the ninth-fewest points (109.2) and fourth-most three-pointers.

Tonight’s meeting is just one of those games where you don’t want to overthink things. The Celtics are the better team and shouldn’t lose to the Timberwolves, even in enemy territory. I expect Boston’s offense to be too much for Minnesota to handle, especially if the latter struggles to guard the perimeter much like it did when these teams met two months ago.

As for the best bet, I’m taking the Celtics to cover the 2-point first-half spread. After all, the C’s are averaging 60.6 first-half points this season (3rd) whereas the Timberwolves are putting up an average of 54.2 points in the first two quarters (22nd).

Considering how they led by three points at halftime in their first encounter of the season, look for the Celtics to be in the lead after 24 minutes again.

Celtics vs. Timberwolves NBA Prediction: BOS wins

Best Celtics vs. Timberwolves NBA Bet: BOS -2 First-Half Spread (-110)

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Best Celtics vs Timberwolves NBA Player Prop Bet (1/2)

I have zero issues going with Derrick White o15.5 points (-113 on SportsBetting) as tonight’s best Celtics vs. Timberwolves NBA player prop bet.

It’s been a great campaign for White, who’s averaging a career-high 16.8 PPG on .452/.392/.838 shooting splits. Even though his production rate has dropped to 15.8 PPG in the last nine games, the former 2017 first-rounder still finished with the Over on this prop six times during that stretch, which includes a 16-point effort on 75.0% shooting against the Raptors two nights ago.

Let’s also not forget that White dropped 19 points in 37 minutes against the Timberwolves just under two months ago. He might cut it close, but history suggests that White’s in a good position to hit the Over on this prop bet again.

Best Celtics vs. Timberwolves Player Prop Bet: Derrick White o15.5 Total Points (-113)

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