The New York Knicks (20-8) and Minnesota Timberwolves (19-10) will face off in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 8:00 p.m. ET from the Target Center in Minneapolis. The game will broadcast live on FDSN.
The Timberwolves are 8-point favorites on the spread (Timberwolves -8), with the over/under set at 228.5 total points. Minnesota is a -290 to win outright on the moneyline, while New York is +240 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Knicks vs. Timberwolves predictions and NBA picks for Tuesday, December 23.
Knicks vs Timberwolves Prediction, Picks
- Knicks vs Timberwolves pick: Tyler Kolek Over 6.5 Assists (-120)
My Knicks vs Timberwolves best bet is on Tyler Kolek to go over his assist total. However, make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Knicks vs Timberwolves Odds
| Knicks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+8 -110 | 228.5 -110o / -110u | +240 |
| Timberwolves Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-8 -110 | 228.5 -110o / -110u | -290 |
Knicks vs Timberwolves NBA Preview
The Timberwolves have won nine of their last 11 games heading into this contest, one of the hottest teams in the NBA after an uneasy start to the year.
The Knicks have been outdoing them as of late, including their NBA Cup title. They bring forth a 12-2 record over the last month of games.
Now New York is in a stretch of 15 games in 27 nights — including the Cup final. This stretch also includes no more than one day off between games from December 16 through January 1.
Even when they're off on January 12 and 13, that's during a four-game west coast road trip, which is immediately followed by a back-to-back on January 14 and 15.
Injury-wise, the Knicks are resting some players ahead of their Christmas encounter with Cleveland.
Jalen Brunson (ankle), OG Anunoby (ankle), Guerschon Yabusele (illness), Deuce McBride (ankle), and Landry Shamet (shoulder) are all out for New York.
For Minnesota, Jaden McDaniels (oblique) is questionable. Joe Ingles (personal) is the only definitive absence.
Knicks vs Timberwolves Prediction, Betting Analysis
Tyler Kolek has yet to start an NBA game, but tonight, he might get his chance.
When Brunson sat out two games last month, the Knicks — who were still starting Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson together regularly — opted to play McBride in the starting lineup.
After Anunoby's injury the next game — making them short of Brunson and OG — Mike Brown opted to play Shamet.
Now, with both sidelined, it's very possible Kolek starts, or at least plays significant minutes, in Brunson's absence.
I still have questions about his shooting and defense being good enough consistently, but one area he excels in at an NBA level regularly is his passing.
He has very good court vision and, should he log at least 25-30 minutes, I think he'll land at seven or more assists.
Pick: Tyler Kolek Over 6.5 Assists (-120)
