NBA 2018-19, Boston Celtics vs Minnesota Timberwolves: Preview and prediction

Boston Celtics (21-15) vs Minnesota Timberwolves (17-20), TD Garden

Boston Celtics will host the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.

Celtics are coming off a defeat against the San Antonio Spurs, whereas Wolves lost to the New Orlean Pelicans on Monday. Both the teams will be looking to jump-back from their previous losses.

Celtics have an advantage of playing at home tonight and will be looking to capitalize the situation. Let us see how things stand for both teams tonight.

The Boston Celtics perspective

Boston Celtics are still finding themselves this season as they have dropped to the fifth position in the Eastern Conference. They are not able to win the games consistently and don't look the same as they were last year.

Celtics visited San Antonio on Monday, where they suffered their 15th loss of this season at the hands of the Spurs. Jaylen Brown was the shining light for the Celtics as he went off for 30 points, coming off the bench. Kyrie Irving had 16 points in the game and shot 50% from the field. Both these players have to stand up tonight to seal the win against the unpredictable Timberwolves.

Gordon Hayward will be an important factor tonight. Last time these two teams met, he went off for season-high 30 points and carried them to an easy win. Against the Spurs, he went scoreless, which happened to him the first time after March 2012. He would be eager to get back on the court and get some points to his name.

As a team, Celtics are averaging 111.6 points and shooting 45.4% from the field. They are grabbing nearly 45 rebounds per game and shooting 36.2% from beyond the three-point line.

Celtics will be looking for an easy, but a decisive win tonight.

Injury update- Boston Celtics

Kyrie Irving (eye)- Questionable

Robert Williams (quadriceps)- Questionable

Jabari Bird (other reasons)- Out

Aron Baynes (hand)- Out

The Minnesota Timberwolves perspective

A few weeks ago, Timberwolves were one of the best defensive teams in the NBA. But their defensive standards have declined, especially on the road. They are lacking consistency in winning games and have been in a slump lately.

They visited New Orleans the day before where Pelicans, who were without Anthony Davis, still managed to pull out a victory. Six of the Wolves were in double figures, but again, they were not able to pull off a win. They were missing the services of Derrick Rose, who still is questionable for today's game. Furthermore, Karl-Anthony Towns will be an essential factor tonight as he has been on fire in the last few games.

As a team, Timberwolves are averaging 111.5 points and shooting nearly 46% from the field this season. They are grabbing almost 44 rebounds per game and shooting at a 37.6% rate from beyond the three-point line for the season.

Wolves will be looking to upset the Boston Celtics' team tonight.

Injury updates- Minnesota Timberwolves

Jeff Teague (ankle)- Questionable

Robert Covington (ankle)- Questionable

Derrick Rose (ankle)- Doubtful

Projected Starters

Celtics: Kyrie Irving, Marcus Smart, Jason Tatum, Marcus Morris, Al Horford

Wolves: Tyus Jones, Andrew Wiggins, Robert Covington, Taj Gibson, Karl-Anthony Towns

How things might unfold

Timberwolves have been unimpressive on the road. They have lacked consistency lately, and there is no chance I am betting on them.

Boston Celtics have been up an down this season, but they are a quality team. They have the depth and the talent to pull off an easy victory tonight.

However, things become a little bit complicated as Kyrie Irving, and Derrick Rose both are questionable for tonight. Both the players affect the functioning of the team.

Considering the above fact, even if Kyrie does not play today, Celtics have the firepower to win tonight. They will be at home and will attack the Wolves from the moment go.

Celtics have a definite edge here.