Boston Celtics vs Minnesota Timberwolves Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Chart for Jan. 2 | 2024-25 NBA Season

"New Year, New Me" will be the motto for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Boston Celtics heading into the second half of the NBA season when they lock horns on Thursday. Recent encounters between the two teams have typically been absolute thrillers, and it appears this game may follow suit.

Despite being the reigning champions, the Celtics’ season has been less than stellar. They've dropped four of their last seven outings, with slip-ups against the Chicago Bulls, Orlando Magic, Indiana Pacers and Philadelphia Sixers. But even when they’re not firing on all cylinders, they remain one of the toughest teams to beat.

Similarly, the Timberwolves are struggling to find form and could not have started the year any worse. A disastrous third quarter saw them suffer a 113-105 loss to the OKC Thunder on Tuesday night, as the Western Conference leaders proved too strong at Paycom Center.

Home games tend to be a good opportunity for struggling teams to upset top clubs, and Anthony Edwards & Co. will aim to do just that on Thursday.

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Boston Celtics vs Minnesota Timberwolves Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Chart for Jan. 2

Boston Celtics Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Chart

There are two injury concerns for the visitors, with Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis listed as questionable due to shoulder and ankle problems, respectively.

Brown was listed as questionable for the last game against the Toronto Raptors but suited up and played for 25 minutes. A similar case might follow on Thursday, with coach Joe Mazzulla likely to field a lineup of Brown, Jayson Tatum, Al Horford, Jrue Holiday, and Derrick White.

Point guards	Jrue Holiday	Payton Pritchard	Jaden Springer
Shooting guards	Derrick White	Jordan Walsh
Small forwards	Jayson Tatum	Sam Hauser
Power forwards	Jaylen Brown	Xavier Tillman
Centers	Al Horford	Luke Kornet

Minnesota Timberwolves Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Chart

The hosts enter this game in good shape injury-wise and will only be missing a couple of players from their squad. Rob Dillingham and Luka Garza are the only absentees due to knee issues.

Barring any last-minute changes, the Timberwolves are expected to start Julius Randle, Jaden McDaniels, Rudy Gobert, Mike Conley and Anthony Edwards.

Point Guards	Mike Conley	Donte DiVincenzo	Rob Dillingham
Shooting Guards	Anthony Edwards	Terrence Shannon Jr.
Small Forwards	Jaden McDaniels	Nickeil Walker-Alexander	Josh Minott
Power Forwards	Julius Randle	PJ Dozier
Centers	Rudy Gobert	Naz Reid	Luka Garza

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How to watch Boston Celtics vs Minnesota Timberwolves

For those looking to tune in, the game will be broadcast live on TNT and NBCS-BOS. Coverage begins one hour before the game, with tip-off scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET at the Target Center.

For those who prefer to stream the game live, subscribers can access it via either Fubo TV or NBA League Pass. The option offers a seamless streaming experience, allowing fans to enjoy the action from anywhere.