The Celtics are hosting the Timberwolves on Sunday. On DraftKings Sportsbook, Boston is favored by 9.5 points and this game carries a total of 221.5 points.
Let’s dive into my preview and pick.
Celtics vs. Timberwolves Preview
The Celtics likely aren’t catching the Pistons for the top seed in the Eastern Conference with only three weeks remaining in the regular season, but every game is still important for Boston if the club wants to hang onto the No.2 seed, as the Celtics are only 1.5 games ahead of the Knicks for that spot. Boston’s excellent season has continued since the All-Star break, with the team owning a 12-4 record and ranking fourth in net rating over this time.
Jaylen Brown has been on a tear, scoring at least 30 points in four of his last five. Meanwhile, Jayson Tatum has struggled with his shot since returning, shooting 39% from the field and 29% from beyond the arc, but the six-time All-Star is still making a big impact. The Celtics are 6-1 with Tatum active and that one loss came in a game that Brown was ejected in the first half. Tatum has been excellent defensively and Boston owns a 13.6 net rating with him on the floor, which is the best on the team.
The Celtics are already one of the best clubs in the NBA and once Tatum finds his shot, they are going to be pretty unstoppable. That might not happen tonight with the Timberwolves’ No.9 rated defense in town, but that doesn’t mean beating Minnesota will be overly difficult for Boston.
The Timberwolves are coming off a 108-104 loss to the Trail Blazers on Friday and since the All-Star break, Minnesota is 9-6 and ranks 17th in net rating. The Timberwolves struggled to score in that loss to Portland, which was a direct result of Anthony Edwards (knee) being out, who will remain sidelined tonight. The All-Star is leading the team with a career-high 29.6 PPG and Minnesota’s offense suffers greatly without Edwards. Conversely, the team’s defense improves without the wing, so the Timberwolves are still a competitive team with Edwards missing.
With him inactive this season, Minnesota is 8-5. While this is promising, the Timberwolves have been vulnerable recently, losing five of their last eight. Minnesota beat the Celtics at home in November, 119-115, but Edwards played that night and went off for 39 points, while Tatum was out and rehabbing for Boston, so its a much different situation for both sides tonight.
Celtics vs. Timberwolves Pick, Best Bet
The Celtics are 24-10 at home this season and as noted above, 6-1 with Tatum active. Boston should get the win tonight and covering this 9.5-point spread is possible, but under 221.5 points is a better wager.
The Celtics rank dead last in pace and are a league-best 45-25 for the under this season. The Timberwolves are going to be weaker on offense and stronger on defense sans Edwards, and this should be a low scoring affair.
