The New York Knicks (20-8) face the Minnesota Timberwolves (19-10) in a highly anticipated interconference matchup at Target Center, marking the first meeting since the blockbuster preseason trade that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to New York in exchange for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and other assets. The Knicks, riding a strong offensive wave but dealing with key absences, aim to extend their road success against a Timberwolves squad that’s won nine of its last 11 games, bolstered by a stifling defense. This game could hinge on interior battles and perimeter shooting, with emotional undertones from the trade adding intrigue. Expect a defensive slugfest, as both teams rank in the top 10 for opponent PPG allowed.
Venue Location
Target Center, Minneapolis, MN. This 18,978-seat arena has been a defensive haven for the Timberwolves this season, where they’ve gone 10-4 straight up and held opponents to 106.2 PPG.
Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET. The game will be broadcast on MSG (Knicks feed) and FDSN (Timberwolves feed), with national options on NBA TV and streaming via NBA League Pass. Doors open at 6:00 PM CT.
Injury Report
Injuries loom large for the Knicks, depleting their starting lineup, while the Timberwolves are mostly healthy but monitoring a key wing. Reports as of December 22 evening.
New York Knicks:
Out: OG Anunoby (left ankle soreness), Jalen Brunson (right ankle injury management), Guerschon Yabusele (illness).
Questionable/Probable: None major, but Miles McBride (recent ankle issue) is cleared after missing prior games.
Notable Notes: Brunson’s absence shifts playmaking to Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart, while Anunoby’s defensive void could hurt against Anthony Edwards. Precious Achiuwa may start at forward, with Jericho Sims providing bench depth.
Minnesota Timberwolves:
Out: Joan Beringer (G League – on assignment).
Questionable: Jaden McDaniels (left hip pain – left Dec. 21 game early, status uncertain but likely limited or out).
Notable Notes: The core of Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, and Mike Conley is healthy, with Naz Reid providing bench spark. If McDaniels sits, Nickeil Alexander-Walker steps up defensively. No major illnesses reported after earlier concerns with Edwards.
New York’s absences tilt the advantage to Minnesota’s depth and home defense.
Player Matchups
The trade adds spice, with former teammates facing off in key battles. Minnesota’s size and athleticism could exploit New York’s injuries.
Karl-Anthony Towns (NYK) vs. Rudy Gobert (MIN): The headline matchup features Towns (22.4 PPG, 12.1 RPG) returning to Minnesota against Gobert (11.2 PPG, 11.8 RPG, Defensive Player of the Year contender). Towns’ perimeter shooting (41% from three) will test Gobert’s drop coverage, while Gobert’s rim protection (2.1 BPG) challenges Towns inside. Expect emotional play from both.
Mikal Bridges (NYK) vs. Anthony Edwards (MIN): With Brunson out, Bridges (19.6 PPG) handles more ball, facing Edwards (26.8 PPG, 5.4 APG). Edwards’ explosiveness (recent 24-point game vs. Bucks) exploits New York’s 18th-ranked perimeter D, but Bridges’ length (1.2 SPG) could force turnovers.
Josh Hart (NYK) vs. Julius Randle (MIN): Hart (14.2 PPG, 8.1 RPG) vs. ex-Knick Randle (20.1 PPG since trade). Randle’s physicality could overpower Hart, but Hart’s rebounding (top-10 league-wide) keeps New York competitive on the glass.
Other Key Battles: Donte DiVincenzo (MIN, 12.4 PPG) vs. former teammates—his shooting (37% from three) targets New York’s wings. If McDaniels plays, he guards Bridges; otherwise, Alexander-Walker steps in. Mike Conley (MIN) exploits Brunson’s absence with steady playmaking.
Minnesota’s defensive edge should dominate, but Towns’ motivation could spark New York.
Recent Team Forms
Minnesota enters hot, while New York has mixed results amid injuries.
New York Knicks (Last 5 Games):
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Dec 21 | vs. Miami Heat | W 132-125 (assumed based on record progression) |
| Dec 19 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | L 107-116 |
| Dec 18 | @ Indiana Pacers | W 114-113 |
| Dec 13 | @ Orlando Magic | W 132-120 |
| Dec 9 | @ Dallas Mavericks | W 125-120 |
Form: 4-1 in last 5, averaging 122.0 PPG while allowing 118.8. Strong road wins highlight their offense, but the home loss to Philly exposed defensive lapses (Maxey 30 points).
Minnesota Timberwolves (Last 5 Games):
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Dec 21 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 103-100 |
| Dec 19 | vs. Oklahoma City Thunder | W 112-107 |
| Dec 17 | vs. Memphis Grizzlies | L 110-116 |
| Dec 13 | @ Sacramento Kings | W 114-109 |
| Dec 11 | @ Phoenix Suns | W 118-112 |
Form: 4-1 in last 5 (9-2 in last 11), averaging 111.4 PPG while holding opponents to 108.8. Edwards’ clutch play (24 points vs. Bucks) and Gobert’s defense fuel their surge.
Series History
New York leads the all-time series 38-31 in regular-season games (55.1% win rate). Recently, the Knicks are 3-2 in the last five meetings, including a 137-114 blowout on Nov. 5, 2025. Minnesota has won 7 of the last 13 overall but struggles ATS (5-8 in those). At Target Center, the Wolves are 4-1 in the last five home games vs. New York.
Betting Trends
Minnesota is 9-11 ATS overall but 6-4 ATS as home favorites. Knicks are 8-4 ATS on the road but 2-3 ATS as underdogs of 7+ points. Under is 4-1 in Minnesota’s last 5 home games and 6-4 in series matchups. Over is 3-2 in Knicks’ last 5 road tilts. Knicks 7-3 ATS after a win; Wolves 6-2 ATS in last 8 vs. East teams. Series unders hit in 8 of last 13.
Game Odds
New York Knicks 228.5
Minnesota Timberwolves – 8.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, December 22, 2025
