The Minnesota Timberwolves host the Houston Rockets on Thursday night in Minneapolis. Minnesota is coming off a 127-108 win over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, snapping a two-game losing streak. Anthony Edwards led the way with 49 points, including 30 in the second half.
Houston comes into this matchup looking to end a four-game losing streak. The Rockets have dropped recent games to the Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks, and Memphis Grizzlies. Injuries have hurt the team, with key players like Fred VanVleet, Jabari Smith, and Tari Eason all sidelined.
Timberwolves Preview – Edwards Carrying the Load
The Timberwolves are dealing with injuries but showed they can still score in their win over Chicago. Anthony Edwards has stepped up in the absence of Julius Randle, who will miss at least two more weeks with an adductor strain. Edwards’ 49-point performance against the Bulls was his highest-scoring game of the season.
Rudy Gobert continues to anchor the defense, averaging 15 rebounds and contributing three blocks in his last game. Minnesota has also relied on young players, with rookies Rob Dillingham and Jaylen Clark getting more minutes off the bench. The team hopes Terrence Shannon Jr. will soon return from injury to add depth.
Minnesota is 28-23 overall and 13-12 at home. They have struggled against the spread, covering in just 21 of 51 games. In their previous meeting with Houston, they won 113-112 in December.
Rockets Preview – Looking to Snap Losing Streak
The Rockets have lost four straight games, struggling without key players. Fred VanVleet is out with an ankle injury, while Jabari Smith and Tari Eason are also sidelined. Alperen Sengun has been a bright spot, recording 24 points and 20 rebounds in Houston’s last game.
Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks have provided scoring, but the team’s shooting has been inconsistent. Houston ranks 28th in the league in three-point percentage at 34.2%. They also struggle at the free-throw line, shooting just 75.5%, ranking near the bottom of the NBA.
Houston is 32-18 overall and 17-9 on the road. They have covered the spread in 46 of their last 74 games. The Rockets won the first meeting between these teams in November with a 117-111 overtime victory.
Betting Prediction
The Rockets are slight road favorites at -1.5, with the total set at 214.5. Houston has been better against the spread this season, but injuries could make this a tough matchup. Minnesota is playing on back-to-back nights but has momentum after their big win over Chicago.
Expect another close game between these two teams. Edwards has been on fire, and Minnesota’s defense should keep this one tight. Houston’s injuries could be too much to overcome. Anthony Edwards and the boys get the job done, and move their spot in the Western Conference a little further up, and knock a Houston team off that has been really good this season.
Pick: Minnesota Timberwolves +1.5
The Timberwolves are a small underdog here, but that is who we are going to take in this game on Thursday!
