The first match on TNT is between a champion and a rising contender. Despite a low projected total this could be a high scoring game.

There are a few starters for Boston either questionable or expected out, so monitor for news prior to tipoff.

 

 

 

Boston Celtics: Hitch A Ride

The defending champion Boston Celtics travel to the Target Center to play the Minnesota Timberwolves. Boston enjoys a -3.5 spread, but Jaylen Brown is listed as day-to-day, and Kristaps Porzingis is listed as out. 

That could make it a difficult game for Boston to win, but they are the defending champions for a few reasons. Some of those are excellent coaching, a deep roster, and talented superstars able to step it up when teammates are down. 

All three will need to happen to take down a good Timberwolves team that has a 9-6 record at home. Boston happens to have a 11-3 record on the road and could improve it as they ‘Hitch a Ride’ through the northern Midwest. 

 

 

 

Minnesota Timberwolves: Let’s Go Crazy

The Minnesota Timberwolves are coming off a loss but do have a positive point differential and a winning record at home. They also have a healthy starting roster which should help against a good Boston team. It will take maximum effort from everybody to take down a champion though.

Minnesota is currently eighth in the Western Conference, and only two games out of the play-in. There is not much room for error as the NBA is already in its eleventh week of the season. As tight as the West is, a losing streak could be detrimental to earning a top four ranking.

Minnesota should bounce back after a tough road loss, but like Prince they need to think, ‘Let’s Go Crazy’ if they want to win. 

 

 

 

Boston Celtics Starting Lineup

Minnesota Timberwolves Starting Lineup

 

 

 

Celtics vs. Timberwolves Predictions & Picks Today: Thursday 1/2

This should be a tightly contested game, with possible back and forth lead changes. 

There are superstars that will be selected as an All-Star, and they will be leaned on heavily for their teams to win tonight. One of those stars is Anthony Edwards. 

 

 

 

Celtics vs. Timberwolves Prediction: Anthony Edwards Over 3.5 Threes Made (+120 on DraftKings)

Edwards is the leading candidate for the face of USA basketball, his main competition being Jayson Tatum of the Celtics. The expectations are the highest they have ever been for Minnesota, and Edwards has to deliver as the best player on their team. Even when the opponent is the defending champions.

His game has taken massive jumps from last year in a few areas, one of those being three-point scoring. Edwards has attempted more threes per game this season and is making more as well. He has made four or more threes in four of his last six games and has attempted seven or more threes in his last ten games played.

The switch can be credited to his time with the USA team in the 2024 Summer Olympics. He went toe-to-toe with Stephen Curry in multiple practices, and that gave him the confidence to attempt more threes this season. Despite taking his under in their most recent match, and it being successful, Edwards made four threes. 12 of his 20 points came from the three-point line, or three of every five points.

The Celtics score at will and the Timberwolves are going to need several three-point attempts. Boston averages over 10 points more per game than Minnesota. Look for Edwards to have over eight or more three-point attempts tonight, and for him to make four of them. Put a unit on this great plus odds proposition bet.