The Minnesota Timberwolves (8-7) and Boston Celtics (13-3) will meet in the NBA this afternoon. Tipoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET from the TD Garden in Boston. The game will broadcast live on NBA League Pass.
The Celtics are 8-point favorites over the Wolves on the spread (Celtics -8), with the over/under set at 221.5 total points. Boston is a -340 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while Minnesota is +270 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Celtics vs Timberwolves predictions and NBA picks for Sunday, November 24.
Timberwolves vs. Celtics Picks, Prediction
Spread
My Celtics vs. Timberwolves best bet is on Minnesota to cover the spread at +8.5, with the best line available at BetMGM.
Moneyline
I do not have a moneyline pick for this matchup. However, I am picking a side against the spread.
Over/Under
I'm passing on the total in this matchup.
My Pick: Timberwolves +8.5 (-115)
Timberwolves vs Celtics Odds
| Timberwolves Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+8 -110 | 221.5 -110 / -110 | +270 |
| Celtics Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-8 -110 | 221.5 -110 / -110 | -340 |
- Timberwolves vs. Celtics spread: Celtics -8
- Timberwolves vs. Celtics over/under: 221.5 points
- Timberwolves vs. Celtics moneyline: Celtics -340, Timberwolves +270
- Timberwolves vs. Celtics best bet: Timberwolves +8.5
Timberwolves vs. Celtics Preview
As Julius Randle recovered from a shoulder injury this offseason, he was expecting to be returning to a Knicks team that has been gearing up to take down the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference. However, instead Randle was traded as part of a package to the Timberwolves for Karl-Anthony Towns.
Since the trade, the Timberwolves struggled have to find their footing this season. After finishing third in the Western Conference and reaching the Western Conference Finals, they enter today's game in 10th place in the West.
Minnesota will head to Boston to finish a quick two-game trip against the defending champions. As a 15.5-point favorite, Boston probably got a tougher game than it expected against Washington, as the Wizards held a lead late into the third quarter. The Celtics went on to pull away for a 12-point victory and that margin was not a surprise.
On the road, Boston has a 13.2 net rating and it has won eight of nine road games thus far this season. While still 5-2 at home, Boston's net rating drops to 5.4 at TD Garden. With the spread at 8.5 today, we have a bit of value on the Timberwolves, particularly if Randle can continue his strong play against the Celtics.
Since the start of the 2021 season, Randle has scored 20 points in nine of his last 11 games against the Celtics. In that span, he is averaging 24.4 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. Boston is allowing 22.9 points and 11.2 rebounds per game to power forwards this season. It is also 21st in points allowed in the paint as it awaits the return of Kristaps Porzingis.
As Randle adapts to his new team, he is Minnesota's second-leading scorer behind Anthony Edwards who is averaging 27.9 per game. Edwards has been relentless attacking from the perimeter this season as he is shooting 43.1% on 11.1 three-point attempts per game. He has knocked down at least four triples in 12 of 15 games this season.
Edwards may be defended by Jrue Holiday at times today, but expect Holiday to answer back at the other end. The veteran guard is averaging 13.2 points per game in November. He has scored at least 10 points in eight of his last 10 games while shooting 48.8% from the field.
Timberwolves vs. Celtics Prediction
Neither of these teams have done well against the spread this season (or recently), as they have both failed to cover four of their last five games. However, Minnesota has covered four of the last six meetings in this series, including each of the last three games. Of those three games, one was decided by two points and the other two went to overtime.
I am expecting another close game today, which is why I will be backing the Timberwolves on the spread. I expect Edwards to take on the challenge of taking on the defending champions in their own building, as well as their stars Jayson Tatum (his Summer Olympics teammate) and Jaylen Brown (fellow Georgia native).
Edwards along with Jaden McDaniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, makes Minnesota one of the few teams that can match up with Boston defensively on the perimeter.
Additionally, Randle will be able to take advantage of his matchup on the interior. Boston may also be without Al Horford today as he is listed as questionable. Randle will be one leg of my same game parlay alongside Edwards and Holiday.
Best Bet: Timberwolves +8.5 (-115, BetMGM)
Same Game Parlay: Julius Randle Over 28.5 Points + Rebounds, Anthony Edwards 4+ Made Threes, Jrue Holiday 10+ Points (+441)
Celtics vs Timberwolves Betting Trends
