The 38-16 Boston Celtics return to action against the 16-37 Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, February 21st at Target Center, as the team returns to regular season action.
The two teams are far apart in terms of success this season — so far they have nearly inverted records. And without their best player, center Karl Anthony Towns, the trend is likely to continue even with the Celtics resting All-Star point guard Kemba Walker with knee soreness.
Minnesota will also be without forward Jake Layman (toe), while Boston will only miss Robert Williams III (hip), who will travel and practice with the team as he nears a return.
There will be a few new faces playing for the Minneapolis-based franchise, including former Denver Nuggets Malik Beasley and Juan Hernangomez, ex-Golden State Warrior D’Angelo Russell, and James Johnson — formerly of the Miami Heat — all added to the team via trade ahead of the Feb. 6 deadline.
The Celtics had won eight of their last 10 contests before the All-Star break while the Wolves had won just one over a similar stretch, which should tell you everything you need to know about the likelihood of Boston winning.
Online bookmakers tend to agree, though they seem more circumspect with most sportsbooks extending a + 6.5 spread to Minnesota.
Unless the Celtics come out flat as they had in a few games against inferior opponents earlier in the season, Boston should come away with the win.
