The New York Knicks (16-10) and Minnesota Timberwolves (14-11) face off in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 9:30 p.m. ET from the Target Center Arena in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The game will broadcast live on TNT.
The Timberwolves are 2.5-point favorites over the Knicks on the spread (Wolves -2.5), with the over/under set at 214.5 total points. Minnesota is a -150 favorite to win outright, while New York is +125 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Knicks vs. Timberwolves predictions and NBA picks for Thursday, December 19.
Knicks vs. Timberwolves Prediction, Picks
Spread
My Timberwolves vs. Knicks best bet is on New York to cover the spread at -2.5. But as always, make sure to shop for the best line using our live NBA odds page.
Moneyline
I do not have a moneyline pick for this contest. However, I am taking the Knicks to cover the spread.
Over/Under
I'm staying away from the total in tonight's matchup.
My Pick: Knicks +2.5 (-110)
Knicks vs. Timberwolves Odds, Spread, Over/Under
| Knicks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2.5 -110 | 214.5 -110o / -110u | +125 |
| Timberwolves Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2.5 -110 | 214.5 -110o / -110u | -150 |
- Knicks vs. Timberwolves spread: Timberwolves -2.5
- Knicks vs. Timberwolves over/under: 214.5
- Knicks vs. Timberwolves moneyline: Knicks +125, Timberwolves -150
- Knicks vs. Timberwolves best bet:Knicks +2.5
Knicks vs. Timberwolves NBA Thursday Preview
The Knicks and Timberwolves face off on Thursday night, and it's the first game for both Karl-Anthony Towns, Julius Randle, and Donte DiVincenzo against their former teams. This game will be played in Minnesota, and I'd imagine KAT gets a warm ovation from the home crowd, but the key will be which team is able to secure the W.
Despite the roster changes, the Knicks and Wolves are both strong teams this year. The Knicks are sixth in Adjusted Net Rating (+4.5) while the Wolves are seventh (+4.0), per Dunks and Threes. They've done this in dramatically different ways. The Knicks have an overwhelming offense with the third-best Adjusted Offense (117.4) and the Wolves' smothering defense has led them to the third-best Adjusted Defense (107.3).
The Knicks have held up a bit better against top competition though. Against top-10 teams in Point Differential, the Knicks are 3-4 (-1.2) compared to the Wolves 1-3 (-2.7) and that includes the season opener massacre against the Boston Celtics.
Since both teams underwent massive roster and schematic changes, if we look at the last month it gives both teams the chance to get some extra reps in. The Knicks are 3-1 (+10.7) compared to Minnesota 0-2 (-4.0).
The two players that will be a blast to watch will be Randle and KAT. This is their first matchup against their former teams and one thing about these two, is they play with their emotions on their sleeves and there's some value we can find in that.
For Randle, he is aggressive, and one of the issues with that aggression is it often turns into slightly increased Usage and physicality. Randle has a Usage rate of 26.1% this year which is a slight step down from his numbers in New York but there have been spikes throughout the season.
Although Anthony Edwards is not one to cede much usage, if there was one game Randle could take some of it, it's this one. Randle has over 2.5 turnovers in 60% of games regardless, so couple that with the idea of him forcing it a bit tonight and I think we'll see him go over that number again tonight.
Turning to KAT, he has been a machine on the glass. He is averaging 13.9 rebounds per game and has exceeded 12.5 rebounds in 63% of games this season including 9 of his last 10.
Here, this matchup against Rudy Gobert is tough. However, Gobert's offensive skill set keeps him close to the paint. Additionally, in the first game back in Minnesota, I always think of rebounds as an effort stat and KAT will expend max effort.
Knicks vs. Timberwolves Predictions, Best Bets
This matchup will be a tight one between these two teams but I lean toward the Knicks. They have been stronger against top teams and just dispatched of the Orlando Magic twice, who also have an elite defense but a weaker offensive profile.
With the Wolves laying 3 points at home, I'll grab the Knicks to keep this contest within one possession.
For a same game parlay, we go full-revenge narrative. Randle over 2.5 Turnovers, KAT over 12.5 Rebounds, and Donte DiVincenzo 3+ three-pointers, which pays out +1100 at bet365.
Best Bet: Knicks +2.5
Knicks vs. Timberwolves Parlay Picks
- Julius Randle Over 2.5 Turnovers
- Karl-Anthony Towns Over 12.5 Rebounds
- Donte DiVincenzo 3+ Three-Pointers
Parlay Payout: +1100 (bet365)
Knicks vs. Timberwolves Betting Trends
