New York Knicks vs Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Pick & Prediction 12/19/24

At 9:30 ET, the Timberwolves (-139) will host the Knicks (+117) in a non-conference matchup. The Knicks are 16-10 and 3rd in the Eastern Conference, while the Timberwolves are 14-11 and 7th in the Western Conference. The Timberwolves are favored by 2.5 points and have won two straight games. The over/under line for the game is 214.

This game will be played at the Target Center in Minneapolis and can be seen on TNT.

NEW YORK KNICKS VS MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES BETTING PICK

The Pick: New York Knicks +2.5

This game will be played at Target Center at 9:30 ET on Thursday, December 19th.

WHY BET THE NEW YORK KNICKS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 131-130 in favor of the Knicks.
• Our projections have Jalen Brunson finishing with 29 points, 3 rebounds and 7 assists.
• From the field, we have the Knicks finishing with a field goal percentage of 48.5% and knocking down 15 threes.

Can the Knicks Lock in a Road Win?

The Knicks improved to 16-10 on the season with a 100-91 win over the Magic on Sunday. New York, favored by 4.5 points, covered the spread with the victory. The game’s total of 191 points fell well short of the 213.5-point over/under line.

After a 22-22 tie in the 1st quarter, the Knicks took control by outscoring the Magic 29-19 in the 2nd quarter. Orlando edged New York 26-24 in the 3rd, but the Knicks entered the 4th with a 75-67 lead and held on by winning the final quarter 25-24.

Jalen Brunson led the Knicks to a win over the Magic, scoring 31 points, including 10 in both the 1st and 4th quarters. He also hit 4 threes at a 50% rate. Karl-Anthony Towns added 22 points and 22 rebounds, with 11 points in the 2nd quarter.

The Knicks shot 46.5% from the field, making 10 threes at a 41.7% clip. Mikal Bridges contributed 17 points, shooting 63.6% from the floor.

The Knicks put together a strong defensive performance, holding the Magic to just 91 points in their win on Sunday. New York was especially effective in the 2nd quarter, where they allowed only 19 points. Overall, the Knicks kept the Magic in check, giving up 22 points in the 1st quarter, 26 in the 3rd, and 24 in the 4th.

New York limited Orlando to 41% shooting from the field, including just 9 made threes on 30% shooting. The Magic went to the line 13 times, making 10 free throws. The Knicks also recorded 38 defensive rebounds, gave up 10 offensive boards, and added 8 steals and 3 blocks.

Can the Timberwolves Secure a Win at Home?

With a 106-92 win over the Spurs on Sunday, the Timberwolves improved to 14-11 on the season. Minnesota, favored by 4.5 points, covered the spread with the 14-point victory. The game’s total of 198 points fell short of the 214.5-point over/under line.

After an 11-0 run early in the game, the Timberwolves took control, leading 25-14. They extended their lead by holding the Spurs to 18 points in the 2nd quarter. Although San Antonio outscored Minnesota 33-24 in the 3rd, the Timberwolves responded by winning the 4th quarter 30-22.

Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves to a win over the Spurs, scoring 26 points with 5 rebounds and 3 made threes at 42.9% efficiency. Nickeil Alexander-Walker contributed 17 points, while Jaden McDaniels added 12 points and 11 rebounds, hitting 2 threes at 100%.

The Timberwolves shot just 40% from the field and made 12 threes at 34.3%. Edwards scored 12 points in the 1st quarter, while McDaniels added 7 in the 3rd.

The Timberwolves put together a strong defensive performance on Sunday, holding the Spurs to just 92 points. They were especially effective in the 1st and 2nd quarters, allowing only 19 and 18 points, respectively. Minnesota gave up 33 points in the 3rd but tightened up in the 4th, allowing 22 points to secure the win.

Overall, the Timberwolves limited the Spurs to 40% shooting from the field, including just 24% from beyond the arc, where San Antonio made 11 threes. Minnesota also sent the Spurs to the free-throw line only 9 times. The Timberwolves finished with 11 steals and 4 blocked shots.