The Minnesota Timberwolves (15-22) and the Houston Rockets (25-12), who both like to play up-tempo, will go head-to-head at Toyota Center. The game starts at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 11, 2020, and will air on ATTSN Southwest.
Minnesota Timberwolves at Houston Rockets Betting Prediction
In the Timberwolves’ last outing, they easily covered the 1.5-point spread against the Portland Trail Blazers, 116-102. The combined points for the game (218) were under the O/U total of 224.5. Minnesota’s offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over Portland. The Timberwolves had a rate of 35.7 (above their season average of 23.0), while the Trail Blazers posted a mark of 25.5. With 23 points on 9-for-15 shooting, Andrew Wiggins was the top scorer from either team.
The Rockets were blown out by the Oklahoma City Thunder in their last matchup, 113-92, despite being 3-point favorites. The game’s total points (205) were well under the projected point total of 228. Oklahoma City’s offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over Houston. The Thunder had a rate of 22.5 (above their season average of 20.3), while the Rockets posted a mark of 15.7 (below their season average of 24.3). With 34 points on 14-for-26 shooting, Russell Westbrook was the top scorer from either team.
There could be plenty of transition action in this meeting that showcases a pair of the NBA’s more up-tempo teams. Houston currently ranks third in possessions per game (106.1) and Minnesota is first (106.6).
Minnesota holds records of 15-22 straight up (SU) and 16-19-2 against the spread (ATS). Just over half of the Timberwolves’ games have finished over the projected point total.
Meanwhile, Houston is 25-12 SU and 19-18 ATS. Vegas is known to place the total high when the Rockets are involved, as 56.8 percent of their games have ended under the O/U total.
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, the Timberwolves lost 125-105, unable to cover as 2-point favorites. Karl-Anthony Towns put up 27 points and 14 rebounds. The game finished with a total of 230 points, which was just 0.5 points below the projected point total of 230.5 points. The Rockets had a much better turnover percentage (10.4 vs. 16.1) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.559 vs. 0.524).
Timberwolves vs. Rockets Odds Pick
Free Prediction: ATS Winner – Rockets, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
On the road, Minnesota is 11-8-1 ATS with 11 overs and 9 unders.
At home, Houston is 9-8 ATS with 9 overs and 8 unders.
Minnesota is 2-1 when they allow below 100 points, while Houston is 3-0.
The Rockets are 25-10 when they score over 100 points, while the Timberwolves are 14-16.
Minnesota averages 39.2 three pointers per game, which ranks third in the league. Houston ranks 27th in three pointers allowed per game (35.8).
The Rockets average 47.2 rebounds per game, which ranks fifth in the league. The Timberwolves rank 29th in rebounds allowed per game (48.2).
Houston ranks eighth in fast break points per game (14.6) while Minnesota ranks 29th (10.2).
The Timberwolves rank eighth in assists allowed per game (23.0) while the Rockets rank 29th (25.8).
Houston ranks eighth in points off turnovers per game (18.1) while Minnesota ranks 25th (15.8).
The Timberwolves rank third in steals per game (8.6) while the Rockets rank 19th in steals allowed per game (7.8).
Minnesota ranks fifth in second chance points per game (14.2) while Houston ranks 21st in second chance points allowed per game (13.5).
The Timberwolves average 48.9 points in the paint per game, which ranks ninth in the NBA. The Rockets rank 24th in points allowed in the paint per game (50.7).
Minnesota ranks fourth in blocks per game (6.3) while Houston ranks 14th (4.9).
In its last five outings, Minnesota is 4-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Houston is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over its last five games.
The Timberwolves have outscored opponents by an average of 7.0 points in their last five games. For the season, Minnesota has lost by an average of 2.2 points.
During their last five games, the Rockets have scored an average of 114.8 points per game (3.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 113.4 points per game (0.5 below their season average).
