The Minnesota Timberwolves (15-14) travel to face off against the Houston Rockets (21-9) on Friday, December 27th. This game will be played at Toyota Center in Houston and televised on SCHN. Both team’s come into this one having won their previous games. Tip-off is set for 8:00 ET.

Timberwolves vs Rockets

The Timberwolves Are Coming Off A Win

The Timberwolves improved to 15-14 after a 105-99 win over the Mavericks on Wednesday. Minnesota, who entered the game as +5 point underdogs, not only won but covered the spread. The total score of 204 points fell well short of the 222.5-point over/under line.

A key 10-0 run helped the Timberwolves take control, as they outscored Dallas 31-16 in the 2nd quarter. Minnesota extended their lead by winning the 3rd quarter 33-28, but Dallas made a push in the 4th, outscoring the Timberwolves 31-15. However, Minnesota’s strong start allowed them to hold on for the win.

The Rockets Are Coming Off A Win

Houston improved to 21-9 on the season with a 128-111 win over the Pelicans on Thursday. The Rockets, who were favored by 7 points, covered the spread with the 17-point victory. The game’s total score of 239 points went over the pre-game line of 221.5.

A 12-0 run helped Houston take control early, as they went from leading 26-20 to 32-26. They dominated the 1st quarter, outscoring New Orleans 39-22, and extended their lead by winning the 2nd quarter 22-21 and the 3rd quarter 41-31. Heading into the 4th quarter with a 102-74 lead, the Rockets eased off, allowing the Pelicans to win the final quarter 37-26.

Timberwolves Offense Breakdown

Anthony Edwards hit 4 threes at 57.1% and led the Timberwolves with 26 points and 8 rebounds in their win over the Mavericks. Julius Randle added 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 threes at 60%, while Rudy Gobert contributed 14 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 85.7% from the field.

Minnesota made 14 threes, shooting 43.8% from deep, despite an overall field goal percentage of 46.5%. Donte DiVincenzo scored 9 of his 11 points in the 2nd quarter.

Rockets Offense Breakdown

Jalen Green’s 30 points and 6 threes led the Rockets to a 128-111 win over the Pelicans, shooting 57.1% from the field and 54.5% from deep. Cam Whitmore added 27 points, hitting 4 threes at 50%, while Fred VanVleet contributed 25 points, making 7 threes at 58.3%.

Houston connected on 18 threes, shooting 38.3% from beyond the arc and 47.4% overall. Green scored 16 points in the 1st quarter, while VanVleet added 15 in the 3rd. Whitmore scored 13 in the 4th quarter.

Timberwolves Team Defense

The Timberwolves put together a strong defensive effort on Wednesday, holding the Mavericks to just 99 points. Their best quarter came in the 2nd, where they allowed only 16 points. Overall, Minnesota limited Dallas to 41% shooting from the field.

However, the Timberwolves struggled to contain the Mavericks from beyond the arc, giving up 16 threes on 37% shooting. They also sent Dallas to the line 11 times, where the Mavericks made all their free throws. Defensively, Minnesota recorded 8 steals and 5 blocks.

Rockets Team Defense

The Timberwolves put together a strong defensive effort on Wednesday, holding the Mavericks to just 99 points. Their best quarter came in the 2nd, where they allowed only 16 points. Overall, they limited Dallas to 41% shooting from the field.

From three-point range, the Mavericks hit 16 threes at a 37% clip. Minnesota sent Dallas to the line 11 times, where they made all their free throws. The Timberwolves also recorded 8 steals and 5 blocks in the game.

Timberwolves vs Rockets Trends

• Through their last ten road contests, the Timberwolves offense has averaged 107 points per game while allowing an average of 104. Minnesota posted an overall record of 5-5 while going 6-4 ATS.
• Through their last ten home games, Houston has an ATS record of just 6-4. However, their overall record was 6-4 while averaging 111 points per game.
• Looking back on the team’s last three games as the underdog, the Timberwolves have a straight up record of 1-2. Their record vs the spread in these games was 2-1.
• The last ten games that Houston was favored, they have an ATS mark of 6-4 while going 8-2 straight up.

Timberwolves vs Rockets Prediction

We’re calling a win for the Rockets, with a final score of 134-124, and we’re taking them to cover the spread. Our recommendation is to bet on the Rockets at -1.

Regarding the over/under, the current line is set at 213.5, and our model predicts the Timberwolves and Rockets to score a combined 258 points. We recommend betting on the over.

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.