The Houston Rockets head to Minneapolis looking to end their barren run when they play the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday morning at the Target Center. The Rockets are on a four-game slide that has befuddled fans and NBA watchers alike. The Rockets expect a tough game against the improving Wolves, who hold down a play-in spot and are 3 from 5. Despite having a better recent record, the number three Western seed Houston Rockets are slight favorites to get a win in this Western Conference matchup.
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BASKETBALL: NBA Regular Season
Where to Watch: NBA League Pass
Venue: Target Center, Minneapolis
Date: 07.02.2025 04:00
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves (28-23, seventh in the Western Conference) rebounded from consecutive losses to beat the Chicago Bulls 127-108 on Wednesday night. The Wolves started with a roar with a 22-4 run that included 20 points for Anthony Edwards in the first quarter. Despite leading by as many as 21 midway in the first, Minnesota found themselves down 82-79 with 4 minutes on the clock. Edwards then put in a masterclass at both ends of the court to inspire his team to retake the lead and get the victory. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 49 points and nine rebounds, Naz Reid added 22 points, and Rudy Gobert finished with 10 points and 15 rebounds as the Timberwolves beat a short-handed Bulls side. The Wolves had lost back-to-back games to the Sacramento Kings and Washington Wizards, who snapped the Wolves five-game streak. Both losses and victory came at home at the target center, with Minnesota now 2-1 in a five-game home stand.
Bet on Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Houston Rockets with 1xBetHouston Rockets
The Houston Rockets (32-18, third in the Western Conference) have not fared well since the loss of Alperen Sengun in late January. The NBA’s best defensive setup has instead collapsed since the absence of the center, conceding over 110 points in three straight games. Even though they kept Brooklyn to below 100 points, the Rockets still lost their last game, 99-97, to record a four-game skid and their worst run this season. However, the return of Sengun against the Nets may have resulted in the marked improvements. Coach Ime Udoka insists they have been soft in the middle, and their inability to defend the 1-on-1s is the problem. Alperen Sengun scored 24 points and 20 rebounds to lead the Rockets, while Reed Sheppard and Dillon Brooks hit 16 points each as Houston fumbled a 97-93 lead with eight seconds left.
Just going at us 1-on-1. We’re complaining about offensive fouls, not boxing out, not doing our assignments, getting back cuts, off ball actions. It adds up to 46. We scored enough to win.
Betting Odds
The Houston Rockets are 1.812 favorites on 1xbet, with the Minnesota Timberwolves 2.064 underdogs. Betway has over 215.5 at 1.98 odds and the under at 1.63. Both teams to score over 100 points is 1.66 on Bet365, with the No at 2.10 odds. Read more here.
Bet on Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Houston Rockets with 1xBet
