The Houston Rockets are soaring into the All-Star Break, but they still have some work to do this week. Houston travels to Minnesota to take on the struggling Timberwolves on Wednesday night in what should be a high-scoring game. The Timberwolves beat the Rockets in their only other matchup this season with that game coming in December.
Houston has won four of their last five games and have taken over first place in the Southwest Division. The Rockets enter this game with a record of 33-23 and lead the Spurs by two games in the division. Minnesota snapped a four-game losing streak in their last game, but are still four games under .500 with a 26-30 record. The Rockets are a three-point favorite in this game.
Rose, Teague Back For Minnesota
The Timberwolves have dealt with a ton of injuries this season, but they got two of their best players back this week. Point guards Derrick Rose and Jeff Teague came back on Monday night and combined for 41 points to lead the Timberwolves to victory. The Timberwolves have had some trouble scoring this season, averaging just over 111 points per game which is right at league average.
Minnesota made a bold move earlier this season in trading Jimmy Butler away to the Sixers, but it has proven to be a good move. Center Karl-Anthony Towns has emerged as one of the best players in the NBA without Butler and was rewarded with an All-Star bid this season. Towns is averaging 23.1 points and 12.1 rebounds this season to lead the Timberwolves. Minnesota might not be a playoff team this season, but the future looks bright.
Harden Looking to Tie Chamberlain
James Harden is having one of the best seasons in recent memory, and he is looking to tie an NBA legend in this game. Harden has recorded 30 straight, 30-point games, and can tie Wilt Chamberlain for the second longest 30-point streak with another strong performance in this game. The reigning NBA Most Valuable Player leads the Rockets with 36.5 points per game this season but dominates the ball on offense. Harden appears to be wearing down a bit, but expect him to go for the record in this game.
The Rockets have battled injuries all season long, but thanks to Harden are still a top-10 scoring team in the NBA. Houston is averaging over 113 points per game this season, but they are also allowing close to 111. The Rockets are still without center Clint Capela, and that could be a big problem for them in this game. If Houston is going to pick up a solid road win, they are going to have to do it with offense.
Harden, Rockets Stay Hot With Win
Houston has gone just 13-14 away from home this season, but the Timberwolves aren’t exactly one of the top teams in the NBA. Minnesota has shown flashes of playing well this season, but they haven’t been consistent enough to really trust them. Harden is going to get his 30 points, and he will lead the Rockets to another win. Bet the Houston Rockets -3.0 over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
