There are some interesting games scheduled for this evening in the NBA, but without a doubt, the most exciting one is the duel between Boston Celtics and Minnesota Timberwolves, scheduled for Sunday, 20:30 PM BST.
So, I've prepared a few Boston Celtics vs Minnesota Timberwolves predictions for you, along with a detailed Celtics vs Timberwolves preview, including team form, injuries and other news, plus the latest Celtics vs Wolves odds.
So, let's take a closer look at this game and what we can expect from it.
Boston Celtics vs Minnesota Timberwolves predictions
Handicap
Timberwolves to win (+8)
9/10
Total points
Over 221.5
9/10
To make 4+ threes
Jayson Tatum
10/11
All odds for my Celtics vs Wolves picks were taken from Paddy Power and are subject to change at any time.
Minnesota Timberwolves to win with handicap (+8)
While Celtics have been winning lately, they have won by more than eight points in just one of their last eight games. For this reason, my first Celtics vs Wolves prediction is for the Wolves to win the game with handicap.
Another compelling reason to back Minnesota to stay competitive until the end lies in the fact that the last three duels between these teams have been decided by at most seven points, with their last two meetings both going into overtime. Finally, the Celtics have struggled lately at home, losing two of their last five games and twice winning after overtime.
Over 221.5 total points
This is a duel between two teams that play solid defence, but they also take a lot of threes and that's why I wouldn't be surprised to see this game go over the line for total points.
After all, Boston have gone over 221.5 total points in four of their last five games and the Wolves have done the same in two of their last three games. Lastly, the Celtics average 120.7 points per game, which is only behind Cleveland as the highest average in the league. So, over 221.5 total points is the second of my Celtics vs Wolves tips for tonight.
Jayson Tatum to make 4+ threes
The last of my Celtics vs Timberwolves picks is for Jason Tatum to make at least four threes in this game. Tatum has been shooting a lot of threes this season, more than 10 threes per game, and making 4.1 threes per game.
He enters this match after a stinker in the last game against the Wizards when he went 0 from 10 from three-point range and I can't see him putting up another poor shooting performance twice in a row, which is why I expect him to make four or more threes tonight.
Celtics vs Wolves preview – teams news, injuries, and predicted lineups
Boston Celtics preview and latest news
While the Celtics haven't been too convincing recently in their wins, they did still win four in a row and overall, they only lost three times in 16 games they played this season. So, things are pretty much going according to expectations for the defending champions.
When it comes to team news, Kristaps Porzingis remains out with a foot injury, while Al Horford is listed as game-time decision due to an illness.
The Celtics enter this match with an 13-3 record.
Celtics starting lineup: Holiday, White, Brown, Tatum, Queta
Minnesota Timberwolves preview and latest news
After making the Western Conference Finals last season, the Wolves made a big changes by trading Karl-Anthony Towns for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. While it's still early to make any conclusions on that move, Minnesota are currently in 10th seed in the West and struggling to stay above .500.
Meanwhile, the Wolves currently only miss Mike Conley, who shouldn't be out for too long with a toe injury.
The Timberwolves enter this match with an 8-7 record.
Timberwolves starting lineup: Alexander-Walker, Edwards, McDaniels, Randle, Gobert