Houston Rockets – Minnesota Timberwolves: future playoff series?
Rockets and Timberwolves meet at the Toyota Center in a game that already smells like the Playoffs (yes, it’s only January). Both teams are deep in the Western conference jungle and share the same goal: finish as high as possible to make life easier in the postseason. Simple as that.
Houston Rockets: a back-to-back they need to win 
Things aren’t great in Texas. The Rockets have lost four of their last five, including a frustrating 91-111 defeat to the Thunder, who look like they’ve remembered how to play. Houston’s offense has been shaky since Alperen Sengun went down. He’s back now, but the issue hasn’t vanished. This game against the Wolves is a chance to kick-start the season — at home, with a possibly full squad. They’ve been excellent there (12-3).
They can lean on the league’s third-best defense (110,8 points allowed per game) and an absurd edge on the glass — they lead the league in total and offensive rebounds. Offense will run through Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun: one’s a pure scorer, the other balances scoring and creation. Against a Wolves side still weakened, a win isn’t optional. It’s necessary to avoid a slide for the Rockets.
Minnesota Timberwolves: two straight without Anthony Edwards? 
After a thumping of the Bucks (139-106), Minnesota will need the same level — or better — to beat the Rockets. Anthony Edwards will miss his second straight game with a foot issue. Rudy Gobert is back from suspension to anchor the defense. The upside? Even without their superstar, Chris Finch’s team put up a very complete offensive showing. They’re third in the league in scoring (120,3 points per game).
Momentum is on the Wolves’ side. Minnesota has won six of seven, the only hiccup being the 134-146 loss to the Cavaliers. The main task here: find ways to hurt one of the league’s best defenses without their offensive leader.
NBA Prediction Houston Rockets vs Minnesota Timberwolves
Over 220,5 points
At home and likely at full strength, the Rockets will be keen to fire offensively. The Wolves looked unfazed by Edwards’ absence in that big win in Milwaukee. Houston can survive in a shootout, and it wouldn’t shock anyone if their shot returns after a few off games. Expect points. Lots of them.
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