Minnesota Timberwolves (5-3) vs. Houston Rockets (7-1)
November 4, 2026 8:30 pm EDT
The Line: Houston Rockets -8.5; Over/Under: 220.5
(Get latest betting odds)
Rockets vs Timberwolves Prediction
The Timberwolves have ruled out Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo again, with Terrence Shannon Jr. listed as questionable, while the Rockets have ruled out Steven Adams, with Clint Capela upgraded to questionable for this meeting. The Timberwolves are still missing their best player, but they are coming into this one fresh off a nice win over the Bucks thanks to a big game from Ball, but now they square up against the red-hot Rockets who just smashed the Celtics in their last game.
It’s tempting to take the Timberwolves with the handy start, but the Rockets are now a perfect 4-0 at home so far, and each win was by double digits, so I am banking on that trend to continue here. Give me the Rockets to stay hot with another win and cover over the banged-up Timberwolves.
Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Preview
The Minnesota Timberwolves have been in fine form as they’ve won five of their first eight games, and they will be eager to keep it going after running past the Bucks in a 112-100 home win on Monday. LaMelo Ball drained six 3-pointers to lead the team with 34 points on 12 of 21 shooting; Ayo Dosunmu added 19 points with 12 rebounds and eight assists, while Jaden McDaniels chipped in with 13 points.
As a team, the Timberwolves shot 43 percent from the field and 16 of 45 from the 3-point line as they shot out to an early double-digit lead in the first quarter, but they allowed the Bucks to hang around, and things were looking tricky until the fourth quarter, when the Timberwolves finally went on a decisive 7-0 run to start to pull away.
Houston Rockets Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets have been on fire as they’ve won seven of their first eight games, and they will be aiming for a third straight victory after blowing past the Celtics in a dominant 109-93 home win on Monday. Alperen Sengun led the team with 26 points, seven rebounds, and 10 assists on 12-of-15 shooting; Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson each scored 14 points, while Tari Eason chipped in with 13 points off the bench.
As a team, the Rockets shot a healthy 54 percent from the field and 14 of 35 from the 3-point line, but this win was more about their success on defense as they were always in control with a comfortable lead after restricting the Celtics to just 21 points in the second quarter.
Why the Houston Rockets will win
- The Rockets have won seven of their last eight games.
- The Timberwolves have lost each of their last six Wednesday games at Toyota Center.
- The Rockets have covered the spread in seven of their last eight games.
- The Timberwolves have failed to cover the spread in three of their last four games at Toyota Center following a win.
Why the Minnesota Timberwolves will win
- The Rockets have lost each of their last four games as favorites against Western Conference opponents following a win.
- The Timberwolves have won 14 of their last 18 games against the Rockets.
- The Timberwolves have covered the spread in seven of their last eight games.
- The Rockets have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four games as favorites against Western Conference opponents following a win.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Timberwolves’ last eight games against Western Conference opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
- Five of the Rockets’ last six home games against the Timberwolves have gone OVER the total points line.
Houston Rockets Player Facts
- Fred VanVleet has recorded three games with 4+ assists and zero turnovers this season- equal to most of any player in the league.
- Alperen Sengun is the only qualified player in the league to be leading their team in rebounds per game (8.7) and three-point shooting percentage (53.8%) this season.
Minnesota Timberwolves Player Facts
- LaMelo Ball has recorded eight games with 3+ assists this season- the most of any player in the league.
- Jonathan Kuminga is the only qualified player in the league to be leading their team in blocks per game (1.0) and three-point shooting percentage (44.1%) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Rockets rank 1st in the league for point differential per game this season (+12.9).
- The Rockets rank 1st in the league for opponent rebounds per game this season (39.0).
- The Timberwolves rank 1st in the league for rebounds per game this season (49.8).
- The Timberwolves rank 30th in the league for free throw percentage this season (64.5%).
