Coming off a final four playoff campaign last spring the Boston Celtics earned respect. With that respect has been profits for those betting on NBA Games. What has worried experts about Boston is a lack of scoring depth. Kyrie Irving and the defense have had to carry the team. Post season ball last came for the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2004. But that drought could be ending this spring. Hovering over Minnesota’s hopes is an injury to Jimmy Butler. His arrival this past offseason remade the Timberwolves into a contender. Now they must fight through his absence to save the playoffs.
Celtics vs. Timberwolves
Date and Time: Thursday, March 8, 2018, 8 p.m. Eastern
Location: Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
NBA Betting Online Odds at SBG:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Celtics | -2 (-110) | 214 (-110) |  |
| Timberwolves | +2 (-110) | 214 (-110) | |
| |||
Celtics vs. Timberwolves TV Coverage: TNT
Boston
Following a brief dip for those Betting on NBA Games Boston is back in form. With five payouts in six games the Celtics have retained betting value. Under the total has paid in just one of their last eight games. Best of all Boston has been highly profitable on the road. Away from Beantown the Celts have paid in 22 of 31 games. Trailing Toronto by two games for first place in the East, pressure is mounting. Defensively the Celtics rank second best in the NBA. Kyrie Irving carries the offense with 25 points and five assists per game.
Minnesota
Meanwhile betting value with Minnesota is dropping like a rock. Butler’s absence has only served to damage it further. Red Ink has flowed in eight of the Wolves last ten games. Over the total has paid in eight of those ten Minnesota tilts. Offensively the Timberwolves rank sixth best in the NBA. However, that impressive ranking was built on the shoulders of Butler. Most noteworthy is that Butler is out of the lineup until April with a bad knee. With just a two-game cushion in the West for a playoff spot nerves are frayed in the Twin Cities.
Head coaches Brad Stevens of Boston and Tom Thibodeau of Minnesota are among the best. Since taking the reins Stevens has coached the Celts into an Eastern Conference finalist. Thibodeau has the Wolves in position to end their 14-year playoff drought.
Team vs. Team
Between these two teams it has been Boston with the sportsbook advantage. In the last eight games in this series the Celtics have six payouts. Just two of the last seven between Boston and Minnesota went under the number. Target Center has provided home court value for the Wolves in this series. Minnesota has got the money in six of their last eight home games with the Celts. Over the total cleared in two of the last three between these teams at Target Center.
Matchup to Watch
Momentum and intangibles for Betting on NBA Games clearly belongs to Boston. Boasting a superior defense, they best also best Minnesota offensively. Especially relevant is Butler being out of the lineup. Although the Celtics boast the best player on the floor with Irving he has a tender knee. Status for him is day to day. Assuming Irving plays he puts his team over the top. Even if he does not his team’s defense maintains the edge. Add to that the superior road value of Boston and the choice becomes clear.
Celtics vs. Timberwolves NBA games Betting Odds Picks
With the better lineup and recent play, the Celtics look strong. Dropping at the All Star Break they have stormed back to life. In conclusion this matchup points to Boston.
NBA Betting Online Pick: Boston Celtics.
NBA Betting Online Score Prediction: Celtics 104, Timberwolves 91
Catch highlights of the Celtics win over Chicago!