The wild, wild NBA Western Conference flexes two of its best tonight when the sixth-place Rockets host the fourth-place Timberwolves. Minnesota enters without superstar Anthony Edwards, who is dealing with a foot injury, but that should not dissuade you from tuning into this electric matchup at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. 

Edwards’ absence forces a more balanced Minnesota offensive approach, while Houston looks to rebound from a lopsided home loss to Oklahoma City last night. These teams haven’t played each other since February 21 of last year, so a heated rivalry has yet to develop, but recent meetings have been competitive and physical.

Timberwolves vs. Rockets NBA Betting Odds

Here are the latest NBA odds for tonight’s Western Conference tilt:

• Point Spread: Timberwolves +4.5 (-110) vs Rockets -4.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Timberwolves (+145) vs Rockets (-175)
• Point Total: Over 221.5 (-115) / Under 221.5 (-105)

Minnesota is just 18-23 against the spread this season, while Houston hasn’t been much better at 18-20 ATS. The Rockets have failed to cover in four straight home games and are 0-3 ATS on the second night of back-to-backs.

Totals bettors should note that both teams lean to the Over recently, with Minnesota cashing the Over in five of their last seven games and eight of their previous 10 road contests. Houston is 3-0 to the Over on back-to-backs this year, and the Over has cashed in each of the last five meetings between these squads.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Minnesota comes in at 27-14, but the absence of Edwards looms large. Edwards ranks seventh in the NBA at 28.9 points per game, and without him, the Timberwolves’ offensive identity changes completely. That said, they’ve gone 5-3 without him, relying on balance and efficiency rather than star power. 

Julius Randle is the clear focal point tonight, averaging 22.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists on the season. He’s been even better on the road, shooting over 50 per cent from the field and 37 per cent from three. Minnesota has played fast and efficiently lately, averaging 124.1 points over its last 10 games while shooting an impressive 51.5 per cent.

Houston Rockets

Houston sits at 23-15 and is certainly one of the league’s more physical teams. The Rockets rank ninth in defensive rating, first in offensive rebounding, and sixth in defensive rebounding, but they play at the third-slowest pace in the NBA. 

Alperen Şengün anchors the interior attack, with Houston ranking third in the West in paint scoring at 53.2 points per game. Amen Thompson continues to grow into a featured role, averaging 18.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. Houston is coming off a 111-91 home loss to the Thunder last night and needs to come out inspired to reverse their recent home and B2B trends.

NBA Prediction: Who Will Win Timberwolves vs. Rockets?

Without Edwards, this is a get-right spot for Houston. Yes, Minnesota is 5-3 without Ant, but four of those wins came against teams well under .500 – Bucks, Kings, Hornets, and Nets, and two of the three losses came against teams closer to the calibre of the Rockets – Lakers and Nuggets.

Minnesota sustaining this level of offence without Edwards against a top-10 defence on the road is difficult. Expect Julius Randle to carry a heavy usage load and score efficiently, especially with the Rockets ranking 22nd in second-chance points allowed. However, Houston’s rebounding edge, overall defence, grinding pace, and physicality should tilt the game.

Best Bet: Rockets -4.5 (-110)

TIMBERWOLVES

Away

108

ROCKETS

Home

115

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