Minnesota Timberwolves vs Houston Rockets Picks and Predictions November 26th 2024

Timberwolves vs Rockets November 26th 2024

At 8:00 ET, the Timberwolves (-153) will host the Rockets (+129) in a Western Conference matchup. Minnesota is favored by 3.5 points and has dropped two straight games. Houston is 12-6 and sits third in the West.

This game will be played at the Target Center in Minneapolis and can be seen on SCHN. The over/under line is currently set at 221.5.

Rockets vs. Timberwolves Key Information

Sport: NBA
Teams: Houston Rockets at Minnesota Timberwolves
Where: Minneapolis at Target Center
Date: Tuesday, November 26th
Betting Odds MIN -3.5, HOU +129 | MIN -153 O/U 221.5

The Rockets Can Win If…

The Rockets fell to 12-6 on the season after a 104-98 home loss to the Trail Blazers on Saturday. Houston, who were favored by 12 points, not only lost but failed to cover the spread. The game’s total score of 202 points was well under the 226.5-point line.

Portland’s 10-0 run early on set the tone, but Houston fought back, winning the 2nd quarter 29-26. After a 21-21 tie in the 3rd, the Rockets entered the 4th down 73-71 but were outscored 31-27 in the final period.

The Rockets struggled offensively in their loss to the Trail Blazers, shooting just 35.6% from the field and connecting on only 8 threes at a 25% rate. Alperen Sengün led the way with 22 points, adding 5 assists and 5 rebounds, while Amen Thompson contributed 19 points, shooting 63.6% from the floor.

Sengün and Thompson both scored 8 points in the 4th quarter, with Jabari Smith adding 8 of his 14 points in the 3rd. Dillon Brooks also chipped in 7 of his 13 points in the final period.

Defensively, the Rockets put together a solid performance, holding the Trail Blazers to 104 points on 37% shooting. They gave up 26 points in both the 1st and 2nd quarters, but tightened up in the 3rd, allowing just 21 points. However, a 31-point 4th quarter from Portland proved costly.

Houston struggled to contain the Blazers from beyond the arc, as Portland hit 18 threes at a 40% clip. The Rockets also sent the Blazers to the line 23 times, where they made 18 free throws. Houston finished with 8 steals and 5 blocks.

Houston has played well in their previous 5 road games, going 3-2 straight up. In this stretch, they averaged 111 points per game while allowing 107. The team also performed well vs the spread at 3-2.
Houston has done well both straight up and vs the spread as the underdog, going 3-2 SU and 3-2 ATS in their last five games.
Over their last five games, the Rockets have an over/under record of 2-3 and are 4-1 vs. the spread.

The Timberwolves Can Win If…

The Timberwolves fell to 8-8 on the season after a narrow 107-105 loss to the Celtics on Sunday. Minnesota, who entered the game as +8 point underdogs, covered the spread with the close result. The total points for the game finished at 212, falling short of the 222-point over/under line.

Minnesota went on an 11-0 run early, extending their lead from 15-8 to 26-8. However, Boston took control in the 2nd and 3rd quarters, outscoring the Timberwolves 60-46. Minnesota made a strong push in the 4th, outscoring the Celtics 32-23, but it wasn’t enough to complete the comeback.

Anthony Edwards knocked down 6 threes at a 54.5% clip, finishing with 28 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists in the Timberwolves’ 107-105 loss to the Celtics. Edwards connected on 8 points in both the 3rd and 4th quarters, while Rob Dillingham also added 8 of his 14 points in the final frame.

Julius Randle contributed 23 points, with 10 coming in the 2nd quarter. The Timberwolves hit 15 threes, shooting 36.6% from deep and 42% overall from the field.

Even with a strong defensive effort in the 4th quarter, where they allowed just 23 points, the Timberwolves couldn’t hold off the Celtics, giving up 107 points in a close loss. Minnesota struggled in the 2nd quarter, allowing 31 points, but they kept Boston to 42% shooting overall.

The Timberwolves had trouble defending the three, as the Celtics hit 21 threes on 37% shooting. Minnesota sent Boston to the line 15 times, where they made 12 free throws. On the boards, the Timberwolves gave up 8 offensive rebounds and recorded 2 steals and 1 block.

Minnesota has a 1-2 record in their last three home games. In this stretch, they averaged 113 points per game while allowing 114. The team also performed well vs the spread at 2-1.
Going back to their previous five games as the favorite, Minnesota has an ATS mark of 1-4 while going 2-3 straight up.
In their last five games, the Timberwolves have an over/under record of 3-2 and are 2-3 vs. the spread.

The Lean

In this Rockets vs. Timberwolves matchup, our point-spread bet is on the Rockets at +3.5. While we project the Timberwolves to win 138-136, our recommendation is to bet on the Rockets for the point-spread.

Regarding the over/under, the current line is set at 221.5, and our model predicts the Rockets and Timberwolves to score a combined 274 points. We recommend betting on the over.

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Surprising Rockets Look to Tame Timberwolves in High-Stakes NBA Cup Clash

The Houston Rockets are determined to uphold an impressive streak this season: they have not lost back-to-back games. As they prepare to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night in Minneapolis, this consistency will be put to the test in a crucial NBA Cup West Group A matchup.

Rockets Aim to Bounce Back

Fresh off a narrow 104-98 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, the Rockets (12-6, 2-0 in Group A) are looking to fine-tune their game. Despite winning 12 of their last 18 games, head coach Ime Udoka highlighted critical issues in their recent defeat.

“We’ve got to improve our off-ball actions and read the defense better,” Udoka remarked. “Too often, guys were just floating, and we didn’t capitalize in the half-court offense.”

Another area of concern for the Rockets is their perimeter defense. Udoka criticized the team for allowing Portland’s shooters too much comfort beyond the arc. “We were too low on our pickup points and let them get easy walk-up threes,” he added.

Udoka’s plan for the Timberwolves involves tightening defensive rotations and increasing aggression near the three-point line.

Timberwolves Return Home Hungry for Victory

The Timberwolves (8-8, 1-1 in Group A) come into this matchup after two tough road losses: a 110-105 defeat against the Toronto Raptors and a 107-105 loss to the Boston Celtics. Despite these setbacks, head coach Chris Finch remains optimistic.

“I liked our effort against Boston,” Finch said. “We’re going through a tough patch, but the team’s chemistry and fight are there.”

Donte DiVincenzo echoed his coach’s sentiments, emphasizing the team’s unity. “We’re staying together and fighting hard. We just need to avoid digging ourselves into holes early on.”

Key Players to Watch

Houston Rockets

Jalen Green: Leading the Rockets in scoring with 18.7 points per game, Green has struggled with shooting efficiency (38.2% from the field, 30.7% from three). A strong performance from him is critical for Houston’s success.
Alperen Sengun: A consistent presence inside, Sengun averages 18.3 points and 10.6 rebounds per game, making him the team’s most reliable option in the paint.
Fred VanVleet: Averaging 14.5 points per game, VanVleet will be looking to bounce back from his recent $50,000 fine and an ejection in the game against Portland.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Anthony Edwards: Leading the Timberwolves with 27.9 points per game, Edwards has been a force offensively, shooting 47.2% from the field and an impressive 43.8% from beyond the arc.
Julius Randle and Naz Reid: Randle contributes 21.8 points per game, while Reid adds 13.8, rounding out a balanced scoring trio.

Matchup Dynamics

This contest carries extra weight as an NBA Cup West Group A showdown. Houston leads the group at 2-0, while Minnesota sits one game back at 1-1. The Timberwolves need a win to stay in contention for the group’s top spot, adding an extra layer of intensity.

Rockets’ Keys to Victory

Defensive Pressure: Houston must improve its three-point defense, as emphasized by Udoka. Limiting open looks for Edwards and Randle will be critical.
Half-Court Efficiency: Improved off-ball movement and better reads in the half-court can prevent stalling against Minnesota’s defense.

Timberwolves’ Strategy

Fast Starts: Avoiding early deficits will be crucial for Minnesota, as noted by DiVincenzo.
Edwards’ Dominance: Leveraging Edwards’ hot hand from beyond the arc can stretch Houston’s defense and create opportunities for others.

High Stakes for Both Teams

With both teams looking to refine their games and solidify their standing in the NBA Cup, this matchup promises a compelling clash of styles. Houston’s defensive adjustments and offensive cohesion will be tested against Minnesota’s resilience and firepower.

What to Expect

Fans can expect a close, hard-fought battle as two competitive teams vie for group supremacy. Houston will rely on its consistent season-long resilience, while Minnesota looks to rally at home with an energized performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is this game important?
This game is part of the NBA Cup West Group A. Houston leads the group and aims to remain unbeaten, while Minnesota needs a win to stay competitive.

2. Who are the key players in this matchup?
Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun lead the Rockets, while Anthony Edwards spearheads the Timberwolves’ attack.

3. What has been the Rockets’ biggest challenge recently?
The Rockets have struggled with perimeter defense and half-court offense against switching defenses.

4. How have the Timberwolves performed this season?
The Timberwolves are 8-8, showing flashes of potential but struggling with consistency, especially on the road.

5. How can the Rockets improve their three-point defense?
By increasing pickup points and aggressively contesting shots beyond the arc, as Coach Udoka emphasized.

6. What does this game mean for the NBA Cup standings?
A win would solidify Houston’s lead in Group A, while a victory for Minnesota would keep their hopes alive in the group stage.

Conclusion

This showdown between the Rockets and Timberwolves is set to deliver thrilling basketball with significant implications. Both teams are eager to prove their mettle, making this a must-watch game for NBA fans.