GAME PREVIEW
Here's what could swing outcome in Rockets' showdown against Timberwolves
Nov 26, 2024, 3:29 pm
The Timberwolves host the Rockets on Tuesday night. Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images.
The Houston Rockets (12-6), currently third in the Western Conference, travel to Minneapolis to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves (8-8) on Tuesday night. Both teams are looking to solidify their playoff pushes early in the season, with Houston aiming to extend their strong start and Minnesota seeking consistency.
Key Storylines
- Rockets' Paint Dominance: Houston thrives in the paint, ranking eighth in the NBA with 53.0 points per game in that area. Alperen Sengun, who averages 12.4 paint points per game, anchors their interior scoring and will be pivotal against Minnesota's big men.
- Anthony Edwards Leading the Timberwolves: Edwards continues to shine for Minnesota, averaging 27.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. His ability to take over games and provide consistent offensive production will be a key factor against Houston's defense.
- Defensive Challenges: The Timberwolves' offense, shooting 46.9% from the field, will face a tough test against Houston’s stout defense, which limits opponents to just 42.7% shooting. Conversely, Minnesota allows 110.8 points per game and must find ways to disrupt Houston’s balanced attack led by Jalen Green, who averages 18.7 points per game.
Team Trends
- Rockets: Houston has won seven of their last 10 games and averages 113.8 points during this stretch. Their defense has been stellar, holding opponents to just 103.7 points per game while forcing turnovers with 10.3 steals per contest.
- Timberwolves: Minnesota has been streaky, going 5-5 in their last 10. They’ve averaged 113.6 points while allowing 109.7 points per game, with a strong track record in games decided by double digits (4-2 record).
Key Matchup
- Edwards vs. Houston's Defense: How the Rockets handle Edwards could determine the outcome. Houston’s ability to slow the Timberwolves’ star while maintaining their own offensive rhythm will be critical.
Injury Report
- Timberwolves: Mike Conley (toe) is listed as day-to-day.
- Rockets: Steven Adams (knee) is day-to-day.
Betting Information
- Line: Timberwolves -3
- Over/Under: 220.5
This matchup features two teams battling for positioning within a crowded Western Conference. With Houston’s stout defense clashing against Minnesota’s potent offense, this game promises to be a compelling contest.
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L.J. Cryer scored 18 points, Milos Uzan added 17 points and No. 5 Houston rebounded from its first Big 12 loss of the season with a 72-63 win over Oklahoma State on Tuesday night.
J’Wan Roberts had 14 points and 10 rebounds, and Terrance Arceneaux had 10 points for Houston (18-4, 10-1 Big 12), which shot 42% and went 8 of 21 on 3-pointers.
The Cougars lost to Texas Tech 82-81 in overtime on Saturday, and improved to 31-2 after a loss since Feb. 1, 2017.
Abou Ousmane scored 16 points, Arturo Dean added 13 points and Bryce Thompson had 11 points for Oklahoma State (11-11, 3-8), which lost for the fourth time in its last five games.
The Cowboys shot 51% and were 7 of 19 on 3-pointers.
Takeaways
Oklahoma State: The Cowboys missed an opportunity for a marquee win after jumping to an 18-9 lead and opening the game shooting 8 of 10 from the field. Oklahoma State had issues with Houston’s defensive pressure and couldn’t stop the Cougars on the boards.
Houston: Missing second-leading scorer Emanuel Sharp and reserve Ja’Vier Francis, who were out of the lineup with injuries, the Cougars started slowly. However, Houston recovered to make 11 of its final 16 field goals of the first half and take a 39-33 lead into halftime.
Key moment
After Oklahoma State cut Houston’s lead to 68-63 with 30 seconds remaining, Mylik Wilson and Cryer each made two free throws to ice the win.
Key stat
Houston outrebounded Oklahoma State 40-24, including an 18-4 advantage in offensive rebounds, which the Cougars turned into 16 second-chance points.
Up next
Houston travels to Colorado on Saturday. Oklahoma State hosts Arizona State on Sunday.