Minnesota Timberwolves vs Boston Celtics Picks and Predictions January 2nd 2025

Celtics Begin Road Trip with Timberwolves Showdown

The Boston Celtics embark on a four-game road trip with a challenging opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night in Minneapolis. After a dominant 54-point win over the Toronto Raptors on New Year’s Eve, the Celtics aim to carry their momentum into the new year, though injuries could complicate their plans.

Injury Concerns for Boston

Boston may have to navigate the matchup without two key contributors. Jaylen Brown, averaging 24.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists, is listed as questionable due to a right shoulder strain. Kristaps Porzingis also remains questionable with a sprained left ankle that has sidelined him for three consecutive games.

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Despite these concerns, the Celtics have shown depth and resilience. Jrue Holiday returned from a three-game absence on Tuesday and contributed 14 points while shooting 4-for-5 from beyond the arc. Holiday embraced the physicality of recent games, stating, “The game is becoming more physical, which is good. I think that’s a benefit for us where we can do the same.”

Timberwolves Eyeing Turnaround

Minnesota enters the contest looking to bounce back from a 113-105 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday. The Timberwolves committed 23 turnovers in the defeat, a point of emphasis for head coach Chris Finch.

“If we don’t turn the ball over, we can control this game,” Finch said.

Anthony Edwards leads Minnesota with 24.8 points per game, while Julius Randle contributes 19.9 points and 6.9 rebounds. The Timberwolves are missing rookie guard Rob Dillingham (right ankle sprain) and reserve big man Luka Garza (left ankle sprain), neither of whom are typically in the starting lineup.

First Matchup Recap

Boston narrowly defeated Minnesota in their first meeting this season, 107-105, on Nov. 24. In that game:

• Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 29 points.
• Jayson Tatum added 26 points and eight rebounds.
• Derrick White contributed 19 points and nine rebounds.

For the Timberwolves, Anthony Edwards delivered 28 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, while Julius Randle scored 23 points, and Rudy Gobert dominated the glass with 20 rebounds.

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Defensive Focus for Boston

Boston head coach Joe Mazzulla has emphasized the need for heightened defensive activity. Holiday, known for his defensive prowess, echoed that sentiment: “It’s just about being active and using your instincts. Being able to get deflections, start the break, and things like that. It’s definitely fun for me, being more active.”

The Celtics will need that defensive intensity to counter the Timberwolves’ star duo of Edwards and Randle, particularly if Brown and Porzingis are unavailable.

Outlook

The Celtics aim to build on their dominant victory over Toronto and maintain their status as one of the NBA’s elite teams. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves look to cut down on turnovers and defend their home court in hopes of pulling off an upset. With both teams showcasing star power and depth, Thursday’s matchup promises to be a hard-fought battle.