The Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves meet for the second time on Wednesday at Target Center. In their last matchup in Houston on Jan. 16, the Rockets won 110-105. Kevin Durant dominated with 39 points and seven assists on 11 of 18 shots, while Alperen Sengun added 25 points and 14 rebounds on 50.0% shooting.
The Timberwolves fought hard despite missing Anthony Edwards behind Julius Randle’s 39-point effort and Naz Reid’s cameo with 25 points and nine rebounds off the bench. It was a close game until the clutch, when Houston relied on its superior talent to secure the win.
Houston Rockets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Game Details
ESPN will nationally televise the Rockets-Timberwolves game. Space City Home Network and FanDuel Sports Network North will provide local coverage. ESPN Unlimited will stream the game online in the US, while NBA League Pass will do it globally. The game will begin at 9:30 p.m. ET.
Rockets vs. Timberwolves Odds
Moneyline: Rockets -124, Timberwolves +105
Spread: Rockets -1.5 (-106), Timberwolves +1.5 (-113)
Total over/under: Rockets o224 (-112), Timberwolves u224 (-109)
Rockets vs. Timberwolves Preview
The Houston Rockets enter this clash behind a 6-7 run over their past 13 games. Their issues in this stretch have been prominent. The Rockets seemed to be trending in the right direction after consecutive wins over Atlanta and Miami, but were unable to make it three in a row against the lottery-bound Bulls on Monday.
They lost that contest 132-124 despite Kevin Durant’s 40-point game, Alperen Sengun’s 33-point triple-double and Amen Thompson’s 23-point night. The Rockets’ defense was ineffective on all three levels, allowing the Bulls to shoot 50% from the field and 50% from 3-point range (19 triples).
On the other hand, the Minnesota Timberwolves have regained some form, winning four of their last six after a three-game losing streak. They beat the Boston Celtics 102-92 on the road without Anthony Edwards on Sunday behind Bones Hyland’s unexpected 23-point game off the bench and a stellar defensive effort.
The Timberwolves limited Boston to 36% shooting, including a measly 9 of 33 from deep. A similar effort can continue to give them a chance to win against the Rockets without Anthony Edwards, given Houston’s struggles.
Rockets vs. Timberwolves Betting Tips
Kevin Durant is favored to score under 26.5 points.
Julius Randle is favored to score under 21.5 points.
Rudy Gobert is favored to grab over 11.5 rebounds.
Rockets vs. Timberwolves Injury Reports
Rockets
The Rockets will remain without Steven Adams and Fred VanVleet. Adams is out for the season, while VanVleet is also likely to remain sidelined.
Timberwolves
The Timberwolves have ruled out Anthony Edwards, who is day-to-day. Meanwhile, Ayo Dosunmu is questionable due to right calf soreness.
Rockets vs. Timberwolves Starting Lineups
Rockets
PG – Reed Sheppard, SG – Amen Thompson, SF – Kevin Durant, PF – Jabari Smith Jr., C – Alperen Sengun
Timberwolves
PG – Ayo Dosunmu*, SG – Donte DiVincenzo, SF – Jaden McDaniels, PF – Julius Randle, C – Rudy Gobert
Rockets vs. Timberwolves Prediction
The oddsmakers favor the Rockets to win by 1.5 points. Houston won last time when the Timberwolves were without Anthony Edwards. While the Rockets’ defense has struggled, their offense can cause enough issues for Minnesota to lose this one. However, it will be a close game.
