Julius Randle returns to the Garden.
Tonight, January 17, 2025, the New York Knicks (27-15) will welcome Julius Randle the Minnesota Timberwolves (21-19) to Madison Square Garden. It’s the second and final meeting of the season between the two teams. The Knicks previously dominated the Timberwolves, in Minnesota, with a 133-107 victory on December 19, 2024.
This matchup is juicy due to the return of Julius Randle (and Kyden, we hope) to the court at Madison Square Garden. Randle has averaged 19.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in 40 games this season. He scored 24 points when the teams clashed in December, but 21 of those came in the first half and he turned into a ghost at intermission. We’re keen to see how the Garden crowd receives the power forward who was a cornerstone Knick during a five-season stretch that that turned the franchise around.
Coming into this game, the Knicks are riding high from a 125-119 overtime win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday, whereas the Timberwolves hope to rebound from a one-point loss to the Golden State Warriors. The Knicks are favored, but center Karl-Anthony Towns is listed as questionable for this game against his former team due to an injured right thumb. His absence would put our heroes at a disadvantage against Minny’s Rudy Gobert, who is averaging 10-10 double-double this season. If Towns sits, look for Jericho Sims to start in his stead and plenty of Precious Achiuwa minutes during the second half.
In the backcourt for the Timberwolves, Anthony Edwards continues to impress, averaging 25.9 points per game this season. OAKAAKUYOAK Donte DiVincenzo started the last six games as their shooting guard, but will sit tonight due to a big toe strain. With the Big Ragu sidelined, veteran Mike Conley should replace him in the first five.
Rounding out the starters will be 6’9” forward, Jaden McDaniels (10 points, 4.8 rebounds).
Prediction
ESPN.com likes New York to win at 54%. Fair enough. The T’Wolves are a top defensive team (110.5 DRTG) and can shoot the rock from deep (38%, 40 attempts per game). New York had their number last time, thanks to a blistering 41-18 second quarter from which the Furballs could never recover. Expect a better effort from the visitors tonight. If Towns can’t play, there will be extra pressure on OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart to contain Anthony Edwards and keep the ball from reaching Gobert and McDaniels for easy scores at the rim. Don’t be surprised if the Knicks fade out in crunch time and drop this one. Knicks by -6.
Game Details
Date: Friday, January 17, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM ET
Place: Madison Square Garden, NYC
TV: MSG
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