PREVIEW: The Boston Celtics head to Minnesota to face the Timberwolves in an NBA matchup that pits two evenly matched 10-8 squads against one another. Boston has built momentum with back-to-back victories, including a 117-114 home win over Detroit where Jaylen Brown delivered 33 points , while Minnesota finds itself in trouble after losing three straight, including a 113-105 setback to Oklahoma City. The Celtics lead the way offensively, averaging 118.2 points while shooting 48.1 percent from the field and 77 percent from the free-throw line. Boston holds a significant edge in head-to-head play, having won three consecutive meetings and capturing 8 of the past 10 matchups against Minnesota. Minnesota counters with its own offensive firepower, averaging 118.8 points while shooting an impressive 48.2 percent from the field and 37.8 percent from three-point range , though the team will need to tighten up its execution in tight moments. Anthony Edwards carried the scoring load in the loss to Oklahoma City with 31 points, but couldn't prevent the Wolves from surrendering 40 points to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Boston's defensive prowess represents a major obstacle, as the Celtics rank second in the league in points allowed and hold opponents to 35.8 percent shooting from beyond the arc. While shot quality metrics remain unavailable for this preview, the matchup figures to hinge on whether Minnesota can sustain offensive efficiency against one of the league's stingiest defenses.