Knicks vs. Timberwolves prediction, odds, line, spread, time: 2024 NBA picks, Jan 1 best bets by proven model

The New Year’s Day NBA schedule tips off with the New York Knicks (17-15) hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves (24-7) in an afternoon time slot. This is the second and final matchup of the year between these teams. The Knicks lead the all-time series 35-30. On Nov. 20, the Timberwolves beat the Knicks 117-100 at Target Center. OG Anunoby is expected to make his debut for the Knicks after being acquired via a trade with the Raptors over the weekend. 

Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET at Madison Square Garden in New York. Minnesota is a 1.5-point favorite in the latest Timberwolves vs. Knicks odds. The over/under for total points is set at 222.5. Before making any Timberwolves vs. Knicks picks, you need to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from SportsLine’s advanced computer model.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past five-plus seasons. The model enters Week 10 of the 2023-24 NBA season on a sizzling 103-55 roll on all top-rated NBA picks dating back to last season, returning well over $4,000. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.

Now, the model has set its sights on Knicks vs. Timberwolves and just locked in its picks and NBA predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model’s picks. Now, here are several NBA odds and betting lines for Timberwolves vs. Knicks:

• Knicks vs. Timberwolves spread: Timberwolves -1.5
• Knicks vs. Timberwolves over/under: 222.5 points
• Knicks vs. Timberwolves money line: Minnesota -120, New York -101
• NYK: Have hit the 3Q total Over in 50 of their last 80 games
• MIN: 15-13 ATS this season
• Knicks vs. Timberwolves picks: See picks at SportsLine

Why the Timberwolves can cover

Center Rudy Gobert is a towering presence in the paint who consistently alters shots and is an active rebounder. The 31-year-old is fourth in the NBA in rebounds (12) and fifth in field-goal percentage (62.7) with 12.9 points per game. On Dec. 28 against the Mavericks, Gobert notched 20 points, 11 boards and three blocks.

Guard Mike Conley brings a savvy veteran presence to the floor. Conley sees the floor well as a playmaker but owns the jumper to space the court. The Ohio State product averages 11.7 points, 6.2 assists and shoots 45% from beyond the arc. In his previous game versus the Lakers, Conley had 15 points, seven assists and made four 3-pointers. See which team to pick here.

Why the Knicks can cover

Guard Jalen Brunson thrives as the main offensive threat for New York. Brunson has the ability to hit step-back jumpers but also can draw contact to get to the free-throw line. The 27-year-old leads the team in scoring (25.1) with four rebounds and six assists per game. In his last outing, Brunson dropped 28 points and six assists. He’s scored at least 28 points in five of his last nine games.

Power forward Julius Randle uses his quickness as an advantage against opposing big men in the frontcourt. Randle has the handles to create opportunities for himself and his teammates. The Kentucky product logs 23.6 points, 9.6 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. He finished with a double-double in two consecutive games. On Saturday, Randle racked up 28 points and 12 boards. See which team to pick here.

How to make Knicks vs. Timberwolves picks

SportsLine’s model is leaning Over on the total, projecting 230 combined points. The model also says one side of the spread hits in well over 50% of simulations. You can only see the model’s picks at SportsLine.

So who wins Timberwolves vs. Knicks, and which side of the spread hits in well over 50% of simulations? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model on a 103-55 roll on top-rated NBA picks, and find out.