Minnesota Timberwolves vs Houston Rockets Preview
The Timberwolves (-300) are favored by 7 points over the Rockets (+239) in a Western Conference matchup. Minnesota is 34-15 and 2nd in the West, while Houston is 11th in the conference with a record of 23-25.
This game will be played at the Target Center in Minneapolis. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 ET and can be seen on BSN.
Check out BetCoco for Minnesota Timberwolves – Houston Rockets odds
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Houston Rockets Head-to-Head and Key Stats
Last season, the Rockets and Timberwolves did not face off head-to-head. When looking back over the last three times these two teams have played, the Timberwolves have the leg up at 2-1. The Timberwolves also had the edge vs. the spread in these games, at 2-1. These games averaged a combined total of 222 points per game leading to an over/under record of 1-1-1.
- Through their last ten road contests, the Rockets offense has averaged 114 points per game while allowing an average of 118. Houston posted an overall record of 3-7 while going 3-7 ATS.
- In their last ten games at home, the Timberwolves have a straight up record of 6-4 while going 5-5 vs the spread. The team’s offense averaged 112 points per game in these contests.
- In their last five games as the betting underdog, the Rockets have a straight up record of 1-4 and an ATS mark of 3-2.
- Through their last five matchups as the betting favorite, the Timberwolves have a good straight up record, but their ATS mark is just 2-3.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Houston Rockets Prediction
Today, the Rockets are 23-25 on the season after defeating the Raptors by a score of 135-106. In the Western Conference, they are currently in 11th place and are 3rd in the Southwest Division.
Houston’s ATS record for the season is 26-21, and they have covered the spread in their last two road games. As the underdog, they are 15-15 vs. the spread and 8-12 on the road.
On average, Rockets games have seen 226.2 points scored this season, and today’s O/U line is set at 221. So far, their games have averaged an over/under line of 223.5.
This season, the Rockets have been the underdog in 31 of their 48 games. As the underdog, their ATS record is 15-15, and they are 10-21 straight-up. As the underdog, they have gone 15-16 vs. the spread, with an average scoring differential of -2.7 points per game.
In the Western Conference, the Rockets have gone 16-12 compared to 7-13 in non-conference games. On the road, they are 5-16 for the season.
When it comes to scoring, the Rockets are averaging 113.9 points per game this season, which is 21st in the NBA. On the road, they are scoring 111.6 points per game.
So far, the Rockets have outscored the NBA scoring average in 41.7% of their games. In terms of pace, they are 13th in the league at 99.4 possessions per game.
When it comes to three-point shooting, Houston is 20th in the league in made threes per game (12). Overall, they are shooting 35% from beyond the arc.
The Rockets’ defense is presently ranked 9th in the league, allowing an average of 112.3 points per contest. The Houston defense has allowed opponents to shoot 34.1% from beyond the arc this season. Opposing teams are also hitting 45.8% of their field goal attempts vs. Houston.
Minnesota comes into today’s game as 7-point favorites over the Rockets. So far this season, the Timberwolves are 29-10 as the favorite and have gone 18-20 against the spread when favored. As the favorite, they have an average scoring margin of +8.1 points per game.
The Timberwolves have an O/U record of 24-25 this season, and 30 of their games have had higher over/under lines than today’s line of 221. On average, their games have finished with a combined scoring total of 220 points.
Minnesota’s last game was a 108-106 loss to the Magic. The O/U line for that game was 213, and the Timberwolves were favored by 6.5 points going into the game, giving them an ATS loss.
Overall, Minnesota is 34-15 this season, which is good for 2nd place in the Western Conference. In non-conference games, they are 11-7 compared to 23-8 against Western Conference opponents.
This season, the Timberwolves are 24-24 against the spread, going 12-11 ATS at home and 12-13 ATS on the road. As the favorite, they are 18-20 ATS and have failed to cover the spread in their last two games as the underdog.
When it comes to scoring, the Timberwolves have been slightly better on the road this season, averaging 113.2 points compared to 112.7 at home. Overall, they are 22nd in the NBA in scoring at 113 points per game.
Minnesota’s offense has been efficient from beyond the arc, hitting 39% of their three-point attempts this season. This is the 2nd best mark in the league. However, they are just 17th in three-point makes at 12.3 per game.
So far this season, the Timberwolves have outscored the NBA scoring average in 42.9% of their games. They are also 7th in both field goal percentage (49%) and true shooting percentage.
Coming into the game, the Timberwolves defense has held opposing team’s to fewer points than the league average in 24.5% of their games. Currently, they are 1st in the NBA at 107.0 points per game allowed. Minnesota’s defense is currently forcing 14.2 turnovers per game, which is 27th in the league. Additionally, they enter the game ranked 9th in blocked shots, with an average of 5.8 rejections per game.
The Timberwolves enter this game as 7-point favorites and in our projections and we anticipate them winning by a score of 116-114.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Houston Rockets Betting Tips
- Take the Timberwolves on the moneyline
- On the spread, we like Rockets (+7)
- Projecting a combined 230 points, we like the over
Minnesota Timberwolves Injury Report
- Rudy Gobert – Ankle – Questionable
- Jaylen Clark – Achilles – Out
Houston Rockets Injury Report
- Steven Adams – Knee – Out
- Jock Landale – Wrist – Questionable
- Tari Eason – Leg – Out
