Is this a home game for Minnesota? No, they’re playing in Texas? Then why is it 36 degrees? Unfortunately for the Timberwolves, they don’t get a break from the rain and cold on this Texas road trip. Despite the bad weather, this should be an excellent matchup for two teams just trying to maintain their positions.
Mike Conley Questionable
Anthony Edwards Questionable
Rudy Gobert Questionable
Donte DiVincenzo Out
Julius Randle Out
Cody Zeller Out
Fred VanVleet Out
Houston has been on a slide recently. They’ve lost seven of their last ten games, eroding their earl season lead in the West, and slipped to fourth in the standings, with the Lakers right on their heels. It’s been an odd place for the team that looked unstoppable earlier in the year. Whether it's injuries, teams figuring them out, or just wear and tear from the season, something is off.
On the other hand, Minnesota started the season flat as can be. They still have a 31-25 record on the year, landing them at 7th in the West, but that’s far below where they were last year. They’ve never recovered from the Karl Anthony Towns trade, and they seem more interested in next year than the current season.
This will still be an interesting game. These teams match up well. Houston has more talent across the board, but Minnesota has star power. Anthony Edwards alone can be the swingman in a game like this.
Of course, he’ll have to get through some suffocating defense on Houston. Between Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, and Dillon Brooks, the Rockets have the size and strength to toss at Edwards.
However, just looking at Houston’s recent track record, it’s hard not to pick Minnesota tonight. They’ve been playing much more consistently lately, and have been getting big games out of their role players. McDaniels, Reid, and Alexander-Walker have all stepped up big-time in their last few games. Houston still has the raw talent, but Minnesota is the more stable bet for tonight.
Money line: MIN (+120) / HOU (-142)
Total Points: 218.5
Spread: +2.5 MIN (-112) / -2.5 HOU (-108)
The Wolves are banged up, but they’re the more steady team. Considering Houston is still without VanVleet, they’ll likely struggle again. He’s been the glue man for that young team, and with him sidelined, the flow has completely left the group. The Wolves with plus money look good tonight.
Minnesota hasn’t been drowning teams in points, nor is Houston particularly efficient at scoring. However, I think we’ll see at least one of these teams pull away. If either team can at least hit the 115 mark, this line will look great!
I’d avoid this line if you’re looking at Minnesota to win. The plus odds are too valuable to pass up, especially for only a 2.5-point spread.
Edward will be the IT factor in tonight's game. He had a massive scoring night a little over a week ago, with a 44-point game. If they can’t slow him down or his threes continue to hit, Houston might be in big trouble.
Sengun has been excellent this year, earning his first All-Star appearance of his career. Coinciding what he did in the last matchup between these two teams, betting on the over feels safe. Scoring 38 points last time does inspire some confidence in his ability to hit 19 points.
With Gobert already banged up, they might find it challenging to get to 11 rebounds tonight. With how physical and explosive the Rockets are on the boards, it’s going to be a battle every time the ball comes off the rim.
Eason has been an excellent defender all season. He’s nearly averaging two steals a game, and with Mike Conley out tonight, the Wolves are down their best ball handler. If it’s Dillingham or just more Edwards bringing the ball up, Eason can easily snag a couple of errant passes.