One of the teams rising in strength in the Western Conference faces a red hot team from the East. The Timberwolves, fresh off of a 116-95 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, face off against the Boston Celtics. We have our SGP Picks below, which are all based off our NBA computer predictions.
Each of these teams has a lot to gain from a win in this game, primarily positioning. If the Timberwolves come away with a win, they could pass the Denver Nuggets.
The Boston Celtics have won five games in a row, most recently over the Utah Jazz. After beating the Jazz 125-97, the Celtics are ready to face the Timberwolves. Jayson Tatum is listed on the “day-to-day” list, however, so keep that in mind.
Boston has moved to the No.3 spot in the Eastern Conference, passing the Milwaukee Bucks. Another win could put them at No.2.
Game Preview: Minnesota Timberwolves at Boston Celtics
The Timberwolves have the first-ranked scoring offense in the NBA, averaging 115.43. With an offense this effective, they’ll try to overwhelm the Celtics defense. Unfortunately for them, the Celtics have the No.1 ranked defense in points allowed.
This will be a tough game for the Timberwolves to overcome. They’ll have to rely on Karl-Anthony Towns to dominate the paint.
Boston will focus on what they do best, limit scoring opportunities. They’ll try to force Minnesota to take bad shots from the perimeter and eliminate Karl-Anthony Towns from the game. Tasked with this project will be Robert Williams III.
Unfortunately for the Celtics, Al Horford is out, which could be trouble. Still, the Boston Celtics only allow an average of 103.76 points per game.
Against the Spread: Minnesota Timberwolves +6
When these two last faced each other in December 2021, the Boston Celtics were 5.5-point favorites. This time, they come in as six-point favorites and are playing at home. In December, Minnesota beat them, 108-103, and we think Minnesota will win again here.
The injuries dealt to the Celtics might be too much to overcome. Especially since Minnesota’s offense is so efficient.
The Total: UNDER 227.5
As you can see from the score of the previous game, we doubt the total will go over 227.5. The Celtics’ defense will limit how many points the Timberwolves score, and this game will be close. This season, the Celtics are 35-38-1 against the total.
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Minnesota’s last ten games. The best bet against the total on Sunday night is taking the under.
To score 15+ Points: Anthony Edwards (-530)
This pick is an easy one, especially with so much attention on Karl-Anthony Towns. Anthony Edwards has averaged 18.1 points over his last nine games against the Boston Celtics.
He put up 12 points against the Dallas Mavericks, one of the best defenses in the NBA. This game will come down to the wire, and Edwards could be the difference-maker on Sunday.
Player Points: Karl-Anthony Towns OVER 23.5 (-104)
Towns is coming off of a tough game against the Dallas Mavericks. He was only able to score 20 points in that one, but we feel he’ll bounce back here.
Against the Celtics, Towns averages 24.8 points per game, slightly over the 23.5 required. With Al Horford out, Towns can really go to work in the paint. Expect a huge game from him tonight.