Minnesota Timberwolves (15-14) vs. Houston Rockets (21-9)
December 27, 2024 8:00 pm EDT
The Line: Houston Rockets -1.5; Over/Under: +215
(Get latest betting odds)
The Minnesota Timberwolves and Houston Rockets meet Friday in NBA action at the Toyota Center. Here’s a Houston Rockets vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction. This article will include a Houston Rockets vs Minnesota Timberwolves Pick.
Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Preview
The Minnesota Timberwolves lost to the Hawks, beat the Mavericks, and they play the Spurs, Thunder, and Celtics next. The Minnesota Timberwolves are averaging 109.1 points on 45.7 percent shooting and allowing 106.9 points on 45.7 percent shooting. Anthony Edwards is averaging 25.3 points and 5.6 rebounds, while Julius Randle is averaging 20.1 points and 4.2 assists. Naz Reid is the third double-digit scorer and Rudy Gobert is grabbing 10.6 rebounds. The Minnesota Timberwolves are shooting 37.2 percent from beyond the arc and 78.9 percent from the free-throw line. The Minnesota Timberwolves are allowing 34.7 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 42.8 rebounds per game.
Houston Rockets Betting Preview
The Houston Rockets beat the Hornets and Pelicans, and they play the Heat, Mavericks, and Celtics next. The Houston Rockets are averaging 112.9 points on 44.2 percent shooting and allowing 106.3 points on 43.5 percent shooting. Jalen Green is averaging 19.1 points and 4.7 rebounds, while Alperen Sengun is averaging 18.6 points and 10.4 rebounds. Fred VanVleet is the third double-digit scorer and Dillon Brooks is grabbing 4 rebounds. The Houston Rockets are shooting 32.4 percent from beyond the arc and 77 percent from the free-throw line. The Houston Rockets are allowing 34.5 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 49.6 rebounds per game.
Why the Houston Rockets will win
- The Rockets have won each of their last 17 games as home favorites against the Timberwolves.
- The Timberwolves have lost 16 of their last 17 road games against Rockets teams that held a winning record.
- The Rockets have covered the spread in seven of their last eight home games when playing with a rest disadvantage.
- The Timberwolves have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four games after winning as underdogs.
Total Points Facts
- Eight of the Timberwolves’ last nine games against Western Conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of the Rockets’ last five games against the Timberwolves following a road win has gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Rockets rank 1st in the league for rebounds per game this season (49.7).
- The Rockets rank 1st in the league for offensive rebounds per game this season (14.3).
- The Timberwolves rank 29th in the league for Q4 points per game this season (25.9).
- The Timberwolves rank 3rd in the league for opponent three-point field goals made per game this season (12.4).
Houston Rockets vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction
The Minnesota Timberwolves still have some showing and proving to do and while a Christmas win over the Mavs is a step in the right direction, it does create a letdown spot. The Timberwolves have still seen 8 of their 14 losses come on the road. The Houston Rockets are rested and at home, where they’re 11-3 SU on the season. The Rockets are also 19-11 ATS on the year, which makes them a top-5 cover team in the NBA. I’ve been on the Rockets’ bandwagon for a while, and this line isn’t steep enough to knock me off. Give me Houston.
