Minnesota Timberwolves vs New York Knicks

Minnesota remembers the shellacking it took from the Knicks on Dec. 19 when New York won 133-107 on the Timberwolves' home court. They will be out to avenge that defeat and the Knicks have lost five of eight as they have been lacking defensively. New York did get a 125-119 overtime victory over Philadelphia on Wednesday when Jalen Brunson scored 38 points. It was two nights after they lost at home to Detroit 124-119 for the Knicks' third loss in four home games. Minnesota has won five of seven road games and four of six overall. The Timberwolves come off a tough 116-115 loss to Golden State after falling behind 34-12 at the end of the first quarter. New York has shown a lack of depth and it used only eight players against the 76ers. Also, the Knicks aren't likely to shoot 53 percent overall and 43 percent on 3-pointers in consecutive games. Take the Timberwolves.

Minnesota has won six of seven and two in a row after defeating San Antonio 106-92 on Sunday and easily covering as a 4.5-point favorite. Anthony Edwards scored 26 points and the Timberwolves won despite shooting only 40 percent from the field. They have covered five in a row as favorites and the Timberwolves are on a 5-1 ATS run overall. Minnesota has won 10 of 15 straight up against Eastern Conference teams and New York is 1-3 ATS its past four games although the Knicks did get a 100-91 victory at Orlando on Sunday. New York is 6-8 ATS on the road this season and it hasn't scored more than 100 points its past two games. Take the Timberwolves.

This is the earliest game the Timberwolves will play all season and they play it on the road after a night of New Year's Eve celebrating. Minnesota hasn't been on the road since losing at Oklahoma City badly, 129-106. The offense is 21st in points scored and they're 65-95 ATS after a win by 3 or fewer points. New York has an 8-4 straight-up record at home playing the fewest home games in the league, while their 20 road games are the most. The Knicks upset Milwaukee in their last home game, 129-122, as a +3 underdog and are 72-45 ATS after a game where they allowed 55% shooting or higher. Play New York.