The Boston Celtics (38-16) return to action Friday following the All-Star break, paying the Minnesota Timberwolves (16-37) a visit at the Target Center. Tip-off is at 8 p.m. ET.
We analyze the Celtics-Timberwolves odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.
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Celtics at Timberwolves: Key injuries
Celtics
- PG Kemba Walker (knee): Out
- SF Jaylen Brown (calf): Probable
- C Robert Williams III (hip) out
Timberwolves
- C Karl-Anthony Towns (wrist): Out
- SF Jake Layman (toe): Out
- SG Evan Turner (acquired) out
Celtics at Timberwolves: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips
NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated Friday at 9:45 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Celtics 120, Timberwolves 110
Moneyline (ML)
The Celtics had their seven-game winning streak snapped before the All-Star break, but they knocked off the Clippers two nights later to get back on track. Boston is 15-11 on the road this season, which isn’t an overly impressive mark, but it’s far better than the Timberwolves’ 7-20 record at home.
Even without Kemba Walker, the Celtics will win this game outright. Minnesota is only 1-15 in its last 16 games, and that record won’t improve Friday night. Take the CELTICS (-295).
New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the Celtics returns a profit of $3.39.
Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
The Celtics are only favored by 6.5 points on the road, which is a very manageable spread for a team that’s significantly better than its opponent. Minnesota has been terrible against the spread at home this season, too, going 6-20-1 ATS. The Celtics are 15-10-1 ATS on the road and 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games overall.
The Timberwolves, on the other hand, have only covered the spread once in their last 12 games. Take the CELTICS -6.5 (-121) to cover on the road.
Over/Under (O/U)
The over/under is set at 226.5 points with even money coming on the Under. The total has gone Under in 10 of the Celtics’ last 12 games, but both teams rank in the top half of the NBA in scoring this season and Minnesota’s defense ranks 27th.
Jaylen Brown should be out there for the Celtics and with the tear that Jayson Tatum’s been on, Boston should have little trouble scoring. Bet the OVER (-121) tonight.
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