Date: Thursday, January 2, 2025
Venue: Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
Broadcast: TNT
On Thursday, the Minnesota Timberwolves (17-14) are set to host the Boston Celtics (23-9) at the Target Center.
In their recent game, the Celtics faced the Pacers and were defeated with a score of 123-114. Boston’s shooting statistics included a field goal percentage of 46.2%, making 43 of 93 shots, along with 16 successful three-pointers out of 54 attempts. From the charity stripe, they converted 12 out of 19 free throws for a percentage of 63.2%. In total rebounds, they achieved 41, 8 of which were offensive. The team also recorded 26 assists and was responsible for 9 turnovers while achieving 6 steals. Defensively, the Celtics permitted the opposing side to shoot 52.9%, with the Pacers hitting 46 of 87 attempts. Indiana managed 27 assists and secured 6 steals. Additionally, they grabbed 50 rebounds (11 offensive and 39 defensive) and executed 6 blocks. The Pacers shot 81.5% from the free-throw line, successfully making 22 of 27 attempts, along with 9 of 23 from three-point range. In terms of fouls, the Celtics committed 22, compared to Indiana’s 17.
Jaylen Brown emerged as a standout player in this match, achieving a shooting percentage of 61.9%. He provided 6 assists, played 36 minutes, and secured 4 rebounds, accumulating a total of 31 points with 13 of 21 shooting.
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The Celtics enter this contest with a notable record of 23-9 for the season. They average 11.9 turnovers per game, alongside 16.4 team fouls per night. In terms of rebounding, Boston collects an average of 45.4 boards per game and has tallied a total of 819 assists this season, ranking 14th in the league for assists. The Celtics shoot 36.4% from beyond the arc (590 out of 1,621) and 79.5% from the free-throw line. Their scoring average stands at 119.5 points per game, positioning them 4th in the NBA, while they shoot 45.8% from the field overall.
Defensively, the Celtics force 13.3 turnovers per game and incur an average of 19.2 fouls. They rank 10th in the league for assists allowed, having surrendered 791 assists this year. Opponents shoot an average of 45.8% against them (1,327 of 2,897) and Boston yields 44.3 rebounds per game. They allow 35.2% shooting from three-point territory and rank 8th in points per game allowed at 110.1.
In their last game, the Timberwolves secured a victory against the Spurs with a final score of 112-110. Minnesota allowed San Antonio to accumulate 41 total rebounds (8 offensive). They shot 28.2% from three, making 11 of 39 attempts, and finished 23 of 28 from the free throw line, equating to 82.1%. The Spurs managed to shoot 43.7% from the field, making 38 of 87 attempts. The Timberwolves finished the game with a shooting percentage of 43.0% on 43 of 100 from the floor and connected on 11 of 44 shots from three (25.0%). They shot 78.9% on free throws, with 15 successful attempts. The Spurs committed 18 fouls, leading to 19 attempted free throws for Minnesota, who also managed 10 turnovers and achieved 4 steals. In total, the Timberwolves secured 38 defensive rebounds and 18 offensive rebounds for a cumulative 56 rebounds.
Donte DiVincenzo played a crucial role for the Timberwolves, scoring 26 points on 8 of 15 shooting (53.3% accuracy), while also contributing 7 rebounds and 4 assists in 34 minutes of gameplay.
Currently, Minnesota holds a season record of 17-14. The Timberwolves average 18.2 fouls per game and boast a free throw shooting percentage of 78.2%. They provide 25.1 assists per game (ranking 20th in the NBA) with an average of 15.6 turnovers. For the season, Minnesota has scored 3,389 points, averaging 109.3 points per game while collecting 43.1 rebounds per game. Their field goal percentage positions them at 19th in the league at 45.8%.
Defensively, Minnesota ranks 5th in the NBA for points allowed per game, averaging 107.2. They force opponents into 15.8 turnovers per game and restrict their shooting percentage to 45.8% (ranking 9th in the league). The Timberwolves allow 34.4% shooting from three-point range (382 of 1,110), with opponents shooting 78.8% from the free-throw line. Additionally, they allow averages of 24.2 assists and 43.5 rebounds per game, placing them 4th and 10th in the NBA respectively.
Free Prediction: Bet on Minnesota (+4.5)
