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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Oswald Peraza hit a two-run single in the ninth inning to help the Los Angeles Angels snap a three-game losing skid by beating the Houston Astros 4-1 on Saturday night.
Peraza entered the game as a defensive replacement in the seventh inning and hit a bases-loaded fly ball to deep right field that eluded the outstretched glove of Cam Smith. It was the fourth straight hit off Astros closer Bryan Abreu (3-4), who had not allowed a run in his previous 12 appearances.
The Angels third run of the ninth inning scored when Mike Trout walked with the bases loaded.
Kyle Hendricks allowed one run while scattering seven hits over six innings. He held the Astros to 1 for 8 with runners in scoring position, the one hit coming on Jesús Sánchez’s third-inning infield single that scored Jeremy Peña.
Reid Detmers worked around a leadoff walk to keep the Astros scoreless in the seventh, and José Fermin (3-2) retired the side in order in the eighth before Kenley Jansen worked a scoreless ninth to earn his 24th save.
Houston’s Spencer Arrighetti struck out a season-high eight batters over 6 1/3 innings. The only hit he allowed was Zach Neto’s third-inning solo home run.
Yordan Alvarez had two hits for the Astros, who remained three games ahead of Seattle for first place in the AL West.
Key moment
Peraza’s two-run single to deep right field that broke a 1-1 tie in the ninth.
Key Stat
Opponents were 5 for 44 against Abreu in August before he allowed four straight hits in the ninth.
Up next
Astros RHP Hunter Brown (10-6, 2.37 ERA) faces RHP José Soriano (9-9, 3.85) when the series continues Sunday.