Boston Celtics vs Minnesota Timberwolves Picks and Predictions November 24th 2024

Today at 3:30 ET, the 8-7 Timberwolves (+266) will travel to Boston to take on the 13-3 Celtics (-333). The Celtics are currently favored by 8 points and are on a 4-game win streak.

This non-conference matchup will be played at TD Garden and can be seen on NBCS.

Timberwolves vs. Celtics Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: Minnesota Timberwolves at Boston Celtics
• Where: Boston at TD Garden
• Date: Sunday, November 24th
• Betting Odds BOS -8, MIN +266 | BOS -333 O/U 222.5

The Timberwolves Can Win If…

The Timberwolves dropped to 8-7 after a 110-105 road loss to the Raptors on Thursday. Minnesota, favored by 6.5 points, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread. The game’s total of 215 points fell short of the 226-point over/under line.

Minnesota appeared to take control with an 11-0 run, stretching the score from 39-34 to 50-34. However, after leading 79-77 heading into the 4th quarter, they were outscored 33-26 in the final period.

In their 110-105 loss to the Raptors, the Timberwolves shot just 41.2% from the field and 34.3% from beyond the arc, hitting 12 threes. Anthony Edwards led the way with 26 points, connecting on 5 threes at a 55.6% rate.

Edwards scored 11 points in the 3rd quarter and added 10 more in the 4th. Julius Randle contributed 23 points, with 9 coming in the opening quarter, while Jaden McDaniels finished with 22 points, including 7 in the final period.

Despite a strong defensive effort in the 2nd and 3rd quarters, the Timberwolves couldn’t overcome a rough 4th, giving up 33 points in a 110-105 loss to the Raptors. Minnesota did a great job limiting Toronto’s three-point shooting, holding them to just 7 made threes on 30% shooting.

The Timberwolves sent the Raptors to the line 39 times, where they hit 29 free throws. Minnesota finished with 30 defensive rebounds, allowing 10 offensive boards, and added 12 steals and 5 blocks.

• When looking at their past ten road matchups, Minnesota has an ATS record of 4-6 while averaging 111 per game. The team went 4-6 overall in these games.
• In their last five games as the betting underdog, the Timberwolves have a strong straight up record of 3-2. In addition, their ATS record was 3-2 in these scenarios.
• Over their last three games, the Timberwolves have an over/under record of 2-1 and are 1-2 vs. the spread.

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The Celtics Can Win If…

Boston improved to 13-3 after a 108-96 win over the Wizards on Friday. The Celtics were -15.5 favorites but didn’t cover the spread, winning by 12. The O/U line was set at 238.5, but the teams combined for just 204 points.

Washington went on a 10-0 run early, but Boston responded by outscoring them 33-24 in the 4th quarter to seal the win.

Jaylen Brown’s 31 points and 11 rebounds led the Celtics to a win over the Wizards, despite shooting just 40.7% from the field and 23.1% from three. As a team, Boston hit 11 threes at a 23.9% clip, finishing with a 42.4% overall shooting percentage.

Jrue Holiday and Jayson Tatum each added 16 points, with Tatum scoring 8 in the 4th quarter. Brown also contributed 10 points in both the 2nd and 3rd quarters.

The Celtics put together a strong defensive performance on Friday, holding the Wizards to just 96 points. Boston gave up 27 points in the 1st quarter but tightened up after that, allowing 24 points in both the 2nd and 4th quarters and just 21 in the 3rd.

Boston was particularly effective at defending the three-point line, where they held Washington to just 7 made threes on 25% shooting. The Wizards also went 11/16 from the free-throw line. The Celtics finished with 33 defensive rebounds, 11 steals, and 7 blocked shots.

• In their last three home games, Boston has averaged 120 points per game while allowing 105. The team’s record in this stretch was 3-0 while going 2-1 vs. the spread.
• The last ten games that Boston was favored, they have an ATS mark of 3-7 while going 8-2 straight up.
• In their last three games, the Celtics have an over/under record of 3-0 and are 0-3 vs. the spread.

The Lean

The Timberwolves come in as the underdog at +8, making them our top choice on the point spread. We not only expect them to cover the spread but also believe they have a strong chance of winning the game outright, especially if you’re aiming for a higher moneyline payout.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 222.5, and our model projects the Timberwolves and Celtics to reach a combined total of 253 points. Our bet is on taking the over.

Celtics Look to Extend Streak Against Road-Weary Timberwolves

The Boston Celtics (12-1) will aim for their fifth straight win when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves (8-6) on Sunday night. The Celtics, bolstered by their league-leading offense, face a Timberwolves team looking to regain consistency amid road struggles.

Celtics Riding High Despite Off-Night

Boston is coming off a 108-96 win over the Washington Wizards in NBA Cup play. The victory highlighted the Celtics’ ability to adapt, as they overcame one of their worst shooting performances of the season:

• Shooting Woes: The Celtics shot just 42.4% from the field and an uncharacteristic 23.9% (11-of-46) from beyond the arc. Jayson Tatum, Boston’s leading scorer (29.1 ppg), went 0-for-10 from 3-point range.
• Jaylen Brown Shines: Brown led the team with 31 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists. His leadership in the second half helped the Celtics outscore Washington 59-45.
• Defensive Effort: Boston held the Wizards to three consecutive 25-point quarters, underscoring the team’s defensive versatility.

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla praised the team’s resilience, saying, “Winning down the stretch with your defense is good, especially when the offense isn’t clicking.”

Timberwolves Struggling for Road Consistency

The Timberwolves, fresh off a 110-105 loss to the Toronto Raptors, are searching for answers. The loss dropped Minnesota to 3-5 on the road and marked their fourth defeat in six games.

• Key Contributors:
  • Anthony Edwards: Continued his impressive season with 26 points, maintaining his 27.9 ppg average.
  • Julius Randle: Scored 23 points, though he and the team struggled to execute in key moments.
  • Jaden McDaniels & Rudy Gobert: McDaniels added 22 points, while Gobert secured a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds.

Randle called the loss a low point for the team, saying, “We’ve had great games and not-so-great games. We need to decide what kind of team we want to be.”

Matchup Insights

• Celtics’ Strengths:
  • Home-Court Advantage: Boston is 5-2 at TD Garden this season.
  • Balanced Scoring: Despite Tatum’s off-night, other players like Brown and Derrick White have stepped up.
  • Elite Defense: Boston is holding opponents to 108.6 points per game, pairing well with their second-ranked offense (120.7 ppg).
• Timberwolves’ Challenges:
  • Road Struggles: Minnesota’s inconsistencies away from home are stark.
  • Defensive Vulnerabilities: The Timberwolves allow 111.0 ppg, and Boston’s fast-paced offense could exploit lapses.
  • Mental Toughness: Randle and Edwards have emphasized the need for focus and consistency, but the team has yet to deliver on those fronts.

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What to Watch For

• Boston’s Shooting Bounce-Back: Tatum and the Celtics will look to improve their shooting efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc.
• Minnesota’s Road Mentality: Can the Timberwolves respond to Randle’s challenge and execute against one of the league’s top teams?
• Battle in the Paint: With Gobert anchoring Minnesota’s defense and Boston relying on their bigs like Kristaps Porziņģis, the paint could be a critical battleground.

Prediction

The Celtics, with momentum on their side and a strong home record, are positioned to capitalize on Minnesota’s road struggles. If Boston’s offense regains its usual rhythm, expect the Celtics to secure their fifth straight win.

Projected Score: Celtics 118, Timberwolves 108