Boston Celtics at Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Prediction

betdsiArticles, Basketball, NBA

The Boston Celtics (12-10), 2-point underdogs, will travel to the Target Center to meet the Minnesota Timberwolves (11-11). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 213.5 points and it can be seen on NBATV at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 1, 2018.

Boston Celtics vs. Minnesota Timberwolves ATS Odds

Both teams comfortably covered as favorites in their last outing. The Timberwolves (5-point favorites) defeated the San Antonio Spurs 128-89, while the Celtics (2-point favorites) beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 128-95. The Minnesota game went 1.5 points over the projected point total of 215.5, while the Boston game finished 5.5 points under the projected point total of 228.5.

Boston played a nearly flawless game. They had a great offensive rebounding percentage of 30.8 (above their season average of 21.9) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.625 (above their season average of 0.509). Cleveland was 20.5 and 0.435, respectively, for those same stats. Minnesota, on the other hand, played a nearly perfect game. They had an absurdly low turnover percentage of 7.0 (better than their season average of 11.7) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.596 (above their season average of 0.496). San Antonio put up marks of 16.4 and 0.442, respectively, for those same stats. Karl-Anthony Towns was a key piece for Minnesota with 16 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. Meanwhile, Boston received a boost from Kyrie Irving, who had 29 points.

The Celtics dominated this series last year, taking both contests. In the last matchup, Boston won 117-109. One of Boston’s biggest advantages was getting to the free throw line. They made 27 trips to the line, while Minnesota went just 13 times. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.

Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when setting the O/U total of Celtics games, with 11 overs compared to 10 unders. Boston comes into the game with records of 12-10 straight up (SU) and 8-13 against the spread (ATS).

Vegas has a tendency to set the total high when the Timberwolves are involved, as 15 of their 21 games have finished under the total. Moreover, Minnesota is 11-11 SU and 12-10 ATS.

Minnesota might have difficulty finding the bottom of the net as they clash against one of the NBA’s best defenses. Boston ranks second in defensive efficiency while the Timberwolves rank 15th in offensive efficiency. Moreover, the Celtics rank 29th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.164), while the Timberwolves rank fifth in opponents’ FTA rate (0.180).

Celtics vs. Timberwolves Free Pick

Free Pick: SU Winner – Timberwolves, ATS Winner – Timberwolves, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • The Celtics rank 1 in points off turnovers allowed per game (13.954545454545455) while the Timberwolves rank 6 (15.318181818181818).
  • Boston averages 35.7 three pointers per game, which ranks fourth in the league. Minnesota ranks 23rd in three pointers allowed per game (33.2).
  • 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).
  • Boston ranks 5 in fast break points allowed per game (11.454545454545455) while Minnesota ranks 12 (13.045454545454545).
  • The Celtics rank fifth in assists allowed per game (21.8) while the Timberwolves rank 24th (25.2).
  • The Timberwolves rank 2 in steals per game (9.590909090909092) while the Celtics rank 11 (8.181818181818182).
  • Boston averages 46.0 rebounds per game, which ranks 11th in the league. Minnesota ranks 26th in rebounds allowed per game (47.3).
  • When allowing below 100 points, Boston is 6-2 and Minnesota is 5-0.
  • When scoring over 100 points, the Celtics are 12-7 and the Timberwolves are 11-7.
  • Boston is 4-9 ATS on the road, while Minnesota is 8-4 ATS at home.
  • The total has gone over in 7 of the Celtics’ 13 road games, while 7 of the Timberwolves’ 12 home games have gone under.

Bettings Trends:

  • The Timberwolves are 4-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Celtics are 2-3.
  • In their last five games, Minnesota has 4 unders and 1 over, while Boston has 4 overs and 1 under.
  • 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).
  • The Celtics’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.2, up from 4.2 for the season.