NY Knicks (16-10) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (14-11)
December 19, 2024 9:30 pm EDT
The Line: Minnesota Timberwolves -2.5; Over/Under: +212.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Minnesota Timberwolves play host to the New York Knicks at the Target Center on Thursday night. Here’s a Minnesota Timberwolves vs NY Knicks Prediction. This article will include a Minnesota Timberwolves vs NY Knicks Pick.
New York Knicks
The New York Knicks have been in great shape as they’ve won 11 of their last 15 games overall and they will be looking to stay hot after beating the Magic in a 100-91 road win on Sunday. Jalen Brunson led the team with 31 points and five assists, Karl-Anthony Towns added 22 points with 22 rebounds and five assists while Mikal Bridges chipped in with 15 points on seven of 11 shooting. As a team, the Knicks shot 46 percent from the field and 10 of 24 from the 3-point line as they took control early and never looked in danger after taking the lead into halftime. The Knicks were sloppy with the ball as they committed 17 turnovers, but they played great defense on the Magic’s Jalen Suggs who shot just four of 19 from the field.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves have been heating up with six wins in their last seven games overall and they will be gunning for a third straight victory after smashing the Spurs in a 106-92 road win on Sunday. Anthony Edwards led the team with 26 points on 10 of 21 shooting, Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 17 points off the bench while Jaden McDaniels chipped in with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and four steals. As a team, the Timberwolves shot just 40 percent from the field and 12 of 35 from the 3-point line, but this win was all about their defense as they were always in complete control after restricting the Spurs to just 37 points in the first half.
Why the Minnesota Timberwolves will win
- The Timberwolves have won each of their last six home games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The Knicks have lost 30 of their last 35 night games against Northwest Division opponents that held a winning record.
- The favorites have covered the spread in each of the Timberwolves’ last six games.
- The Knicks have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six road games against Northwest Division opponents following a win.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Timberwolves’ last six games as favorites has gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of the Knicks’ last six Thursday games has gone OVER the total points line.
Minnesota Timberwolves Player Facts
- Anthony Edwards ranks 2nd amongst qualified players for three-pointers made Per Game (4.3) this season.
- Rudy Gobert ranks 3rd amongst qualified players for FG% (63.3%) this season.
New York Knicks Player Facts
- Karl-Anthony Towns ranks 1st amongst qualified players for rebounds per game (13.9) this season.
- Josh Hart ranks 1st amongst qualified Guards for FG% (59.4%) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Timberwolves rank 1st in the league for opponent three-point field goals made per game this season (11.6).
- The Timberwolves rank 2nd in the league for opponent three-point percentage this season (33.3%).
- The Knicks rank 1st in the league for opponent steals per game this season (6.7).
- The Knicks rank 2nd in the league for opponent rebounds per game this season (41.0).
Minnesota Timberwolves vs NY Knicks Prediction
The Knicks are still missing Mitchell Robinson and Ariel Hukporti, while the Timberwolves are only missing Joe Ingles. The Knicks have been on a nice run lately and they will be feeling good after beating the Magic in their last outing, while the Timberwolves have lost just one of their last seven games and they just made light work of the Spurs in their last game. I can see why the line is so short for this one as the Knicks have been playing well, but I have been more impressed with the Timberwolves lately and I think they represent great value at the short line at home.
