The Minnesota Timberwolves (11-11) go head-to-head against the Boston Celtics (12-10) at the Target Center. The game will air on NBATV at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 1, 2018.
Minnesota opened as a 2-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 213.5 points.
Boston Celtics vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Free Prediction
In the Celtics’ last game, they comfortably covered the 2-point spread against the Cleveland Cavaliers, 128-95. The total points for the game (223) were under the projected point total of 228.5. The Celtics had a superb offensive rebounding percentage of 30.8 (above their season average of 21.9) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.625 (above their season average of 0.509). Boston received a boost from Kyrie Irving, who was the top scorer from either team with 29 points on 11-for-15 shooting.
The Timberwolves won big over the San Antonio Spurs in their last outing, 128-89, easily covering as 5-point favorites. The game’s total points (217) finished just over the O/U total of 215.5. The Timberwolves forced 18 turnovers and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.596 (above their season average of 0.496). With 16 points, 11 rebounds and five assists, Minnesota’s Karl-Anthony Towns played well.
After the Celtics won both contests against the Timberwolves last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. In the last contest, Boston won 117-109. The Celtics knocked down 20 of their 27 free throws (74.1 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (10.0 vs. 10.7).
Boston heads into the game with records of 12-10 straight up (SU) and 8-13 against the spread (ATS). Games including the Celtics have a slight tendency to go over the total (52.4 percent).
Meanwhile, Minnesota owns records of 11-11 SU and 12-10 ATS. Of the Timberwolves’ 22 games, 15 have finished under the O/U total.
Minnesota might have trouble scoring as they clash against one of the league’s best defenses. Boston ranks second in defensive efficiency, while the Timberwolves rank 15th in offensive efficiency. Also, the Celtics rank 29th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.164), while the Timberwolves rank fifth in opponents’ FTA rate (0.180).
Boston Celtics vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Pick
Free NBA Pick: SU Winner – Timberwolves, ATS Winner – Celtics, O/U – Under
Click Here to Start Betting Today!
Notes
Betting Notes:
Boston is 4-9 ATS on the road with 7 overs and 6 unders.
Minnesota is 8-4 ATS at home with 7 unders and 5 overs.
In games where they allow less than 100 points, Minnesota is 5-0 and Boston is 6-2.
In games where they score above 100 points, the Timberwolves are 11-7 and the Celtics are 12-7.
Boston averages 35.7 three pointers per game, which ranks fourth in the NBA. Minnesota ranks 23rd in three pointers allowed per game (33.2).
The Celtics rank fifth in assists allowed per game (21.8) while the Timberwolves rank 24th (25.2).
Boston averages 46.0 rebounds per game, which ranks 11th in the NBA. Minnesota ranks 26th in rebounds allowed per game (47.3).
The Celtics rank second in blocks allowed per game (3.9) while the Timberwolves rank 15th (5.2).
Minnesota ranks 16th in points in the paint per game (46.9) while Boston ranks 28th (40.7).
The Timberwolves rank 2 in steals per game (9.590909090909092) while the Celtics rank 11 (8.181818181818182).
Boston ranks 5 in fast break points allowed per game (11.454545454545455) while Minnesota ranks 12 (13.045454545454545).
The Celtics rank 1 in points off turnovers allowed per game (13.954545454545455) while the Timberwolves rank 6 (15.318181818181818).
Bettings Trends:
In its last five contests, Boston is 2-3 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
Minnesota is 4-1 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over its last five games.
The Celtics’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.2, up from 4.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Timberwolves have scored an average of 110.8 points per game (0.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 97.0 points per game (13.2 below their season average).
*****
