The Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves have a narrow competitive history. According to the game preview, last season’s three matchups between the teams ended in a combined score of 350-351, with no blowouts. Houston won one game by 5 points, while Minnesota took the other two contests.
The two Timberwolves victories came late in the season and had significant playoff implications for Houston. Both losses essentially cost the Rockets home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs, according to the preview. The subsequent matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers saw LA capitalize on playing in Houston, where the Lakers posted a 326 TS% in Games 1 and 2.
The first loss to Minnesota was particularly dramatic. Houston held a 13-point lead in overtime, and the Rockets had what the preview describes as “one of the most impressive first two minutes of an overtime period,” before Minnesota closed on a 15-0 run to win the game.
The Timberwolves will enter this matchup without Anthony Edwards, who is recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery. However, the team has shown early success with a new pairing and roster adjustments. According to the preview, early results suggest the LaMelo Ball pairing can work, and the continued development of Jaden McDaniels provides depth while Edwards recovers over the next two months.
Minnesota has Jonathan Kuminga, described as a “Rockets killer,” who typically elevates his performance against Houston. The Timberwolves are also without Donte DiVincenzo.
For Houston, Clint Capela is listed as game-time decision while Steven Adams is out. The Rockets are favored at -9.5 according to the line.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30pm CT on Space City Home Network.
Key facts
- Last season’s three Rockets-Timberwolves matchups ended 350-351 combined with Houston winning one by 5 points
- Minnesota’s late-season wins over Houston cost the Rockets home court advantage in first-round playoffs
- Anthony Edwards is out for the Timberwolves due to arthroscopic knee surgery
- Jonathan Kuminga is identified as a player who elevates his performance against Houston
- Rockets are favored at -9.5