MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES (9-25)

at BOSTON CELTICS (25-7)

Tip-off: Monday, 7:30 p.m. EDT
Line: Boston -8, Total: 203

The Celtics will try to extend their seven-game winning streak over Minnesota Monday without former Timberwolves player Kevin Garnett who is out with a calf injury. Boston will have point guard Rajon Rondo who returned to the lineup Sunday after missing seven games with a sprained left ankle. Minnesota’s point guard is also hurting, as Jonny Flynn missed the last game with a sprained right ankle and is listed as day-to-day. Basketball scores.

Minnesota is having a rough season at 9-25, but it has won three of the past four games SU and is 7-2 ATS in its past nine contests. Despite its 2-17 SU road record, that mark is a respectable 9-10 ATS. The Wolves shot 51% from the floor in a New Year’s Day win over New Jersey, 103-88. Kevin Love led the way with 23 points and 10 rebounds, which marked his eye-popping 20th straight double-double. Michael Beasley (team-high 21.8 PPG) only scored 10 points against the Nets, after averaging 28.8 PPG in his previous four games.

The Celtics have been scuffling while trying to overcome the big injuries. After winning 14 straight games, Boston is just 2-3 (SU and ATS) in its past five contests. Rondo only had four points in Sunday’s 93-79 win in Toronto, but he dished out eight assists and allowed veterans Paul Pierce (30 points) and Ray Allen (23 points) to carry the scoring load. Rondo had 13 points and 15 assists the last time Boston faced Minnesota, a 122-104 win. Basketball odds.

The Celtics are 13-2 SU at home this season, but just 6-8-1 ATS. However, with Rondo back on the floor, Boston should have no trouble scoring on Minnesota’s league-worst defense, allowing 108.9 PPG. This FoxSheets trend sides with Boston to win by more than the eight-point spread.

Play Against – Road underdogs (MINNESOTA) – after a win by 10 points or more against opponent after a combined score of 175 points or less 2 straight games.(92-50 since 1996.) (64.8%, +37 units. Rating = 2*).

This FoxSheets also expect the game to finish Over the total:

Play Over – All teams where the total is 200 to 209.5 (BOSTON) – playing on back-to-back days, top level team, winning 75% or more of their games on the season. (61-32 since 1996.) (65.6%, +25.8 units. Rating = 2*). Basketball spreads.

Play Over – Any team (MINNESOTA) – average shooting team (43.5-45.5%) against an good defensive team (41.5-43.5%), poor ball handling team (>=16.5 TO’s) against a good ball handling team (<=14.5 TO’s). (70-35 since 1996.) (66.7%, +31.5 units. Rating = 2*).