The Celtics and Timberwolves face off in a non-conference matchup, with each team leading their respective conferences. On the season, the Celtics are 28-8 and are favored by 7 at BookMaker, while the Timberwolves are 26-10. This game will be broadcast on NBCS.

Can the Timberwolves Pull Out the Win as Road Underdogs?

Heading into today’s game, the Timberwolves are 26-10 and are in 1st place in the Western Conference. In non-conference games, they are 8-4 compared to 18-6 against other Western Conference teams.

When playing on the road, the Timberwolves have an average scoring margin of +2.6 points per game. Overall, they are 12-8 on the road and 9-10 ATS.

At home, Minnesota is 14-2 this season and has an average scoring margin of +9.6 points per game. Their ATS home record is 8-8, and they have failed to cover the spread in their last four home games.

As the underdog, the Timberwolves are 4-4 straight up and 4-4 ATS. In their games as the favorite, they have a record of 22-6 and are 13-14 ATS.

So far this season, the Timberwolves have an over/under record of 19-17. The over/under line in their games has averaged 223.3 points, and their games have had an average of 220.2 points.

So far this season, the Timberwolves are averaging 112.9 points per game, which is 22nd in the NBA. On the road, they are scoring slightly more at 113.2 points per game compared to 112.6 at home.

Minnesota’s offense has been efficient from the field, as they are shooting 48% overall. They are also one of the top three-point shooting teams in the league, connecting on 38% of their attempts (4th).

In terms of pace, the Timberwolves are 24th in the NBA, averaging 97.9 possessions per game. So far, they have outscored the league average in 38.9% of their games.

Coming into today’s game, the Timberwolves’ defense is giving up an average of 107.2 points per contest. Inside the arc, the Timberwolves defense is giving up a shooting percentage of 50.5% and 34.7% from three-point territory.

  • Jaylen Clark (Out) Achilles

Is A Home Victory Likely for the Favored Celtics?

At 28-8, the Celtics are the top team in the Eastern Conference. In their 36 games, they have been the favorite in 34 of them and have a record of 26-8 in those games. Overall, their ATS record is 17-17.

When playing at home, the Celtics are 17-0 and have an average scoring margin of +15.0 points per game. Their average over/under line is 230.1 points per game and their over/under record is 20-16.

In terms of their record vs. the spread, the Celtics are 10-6 at home and 7-11 on the road. When playing at home, they have an average scoring margin of +15.0 points per game.

So far this season, the Celtics have been the favorite in 34 of their 36 games. When they are the favorite, their average scoring margin is +10.0 points per game.

Coming into today’s game vs. the Timberwolves, the Celtics have won 17 straight games at home. On the road, they are 11-8 this season and have a scoring margin of +6.4 points per game.

When it comes to scoring, the Celtics are one of the top teams in the league, averaging 121.2 points per game (5th). At home, they are averaging 123.1 points per game.

So far this season, Boston has outscored the NBA scoring average in 72.2% of their games. In terms of pace, they are 18th in the league at 98.8 possessions per game.

When it comes to shooting, the Celtics are 10th in field goal percentage at 48%. They are also one of the top three-point shooting teams in the league, making an average of 16.1 threes per game (1st).

Currently, the Celtics’ defense holds the 4th rank in the NBA, allowing 110.7 points per game. In their previous matchup vs. the Pacers, the Celtics’ defense struggled, giving up a field goal percentage of 52% leading to 133 points.

  • Jrue Holiday (Questionable) Elbow
  • Al Horford (Questionable) Illness
  • Kristaps Porzingis (Questionable) Right Knee

Timberwolves vs. Celtics Pick

For a point-spread bet in this Timberwolves vs. Celtics matchup, we’re leaning towards the Timberwolves at +7. Although our projections show the Celtics winning 117-116, we suggest placing your bet on the Timberwolves for the point-spread.

Pick: Take the Timberwolves at +7

The Total

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 224.5 and our model has the Timberwolves and Celtics finishing with a combined 233 points. Our pick is to take the over.

Pick: Go Over 224.5 points (-112)