Expect a fast-paced game when the Minnesota Timberwolves (15-22) head to Houston to play the Rockets (25-12). Action begins at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 11, 2020, and can be seen on ATTSN Southwest.
Minnesota Timberwolves at Houston Rockets ATS Odds
In the Timberwolves’ last outing, they comfortably covered the 1.5-point spread against the Portland Trail Blazers, 116-102. The Rockets, meanwhile, were blown out by the Oklahoma City Thunder, 113-92, and failed to cover as 3-point underdogs. The Minnesota game went 6.5 points under the projected point total of 224.5, while the Houston game went 23 points under the projected point total of 228.
The Timberwolves had a phenomenal offensive rebounding percentage of 35.7 (above their season average of 23.0) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.567 (above their season average of 0.501). Houston, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (12.8 vs. 11.9). Russell Westbrook had a solid game for Houston with 34 points and five assists. Minnesota, meanwhile, was led by Andrew Wiggins, who contributed 23 points and eight assists.
In their first matchup this year, James Harden led the Rockets to a 125-105 victory. He was the game’s leading scorer with 49 points. The two teams combined for 230 points, which was just under the projected point total of 230.5, and Houston covered as a 2-point underdog. The Rockets’ 10.4 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over the Timberwolves, who had a rate of 16.1.
Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when predicting totals of Timberwolves games, with 19 overs compared to 18 unders. Minnesota holds records of 15-22 straight up (SU) and 16-19-2 against the spread (ATS).
Of the Rockets’ 37 games, 21 have finished under the total. Additionally, Houston is 25-12 SU and 19-18 ATS.
There should be plenty of transition action in this matchup that showcases two of the league’s more fast-paced teams. Houston ranks third in possessions per game (106.1) and Minnesota is first (106.6).
Timberwolves at Rockets Odds Pick
Free NBA Tip: SU Winner – Rockets, ATS Winner – Rockets, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Timberwolves rank ninth in points in the paint per game (48.9) while the Rockets rank 24th in points allowed in the paint per game (50.7).
- 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 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).
- Minnesota averages 14.2 second chance points per game, which ranks fifth in the NBA. Houston ranks 21st in second chance points allowed per game (13.5).
- 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).
- The Timberwolves average 8.6 steals per game, which ranks third in the league. The Rockets rank 19th in steals allowed per game (7.8).
- Minnesota ranks fourth in blocks per game (6.3) while Houston ranks 14th (4.9).
- Houston ranks eighth in fast break points per game (14.6) while Minnesota ranks 29th (10.2).
- Minnesota is 2-1 when they allow under 100 points, while Houston is 3-0.
- When reaching the century mark, the Rockets are 25-10 and the Timberwolves are 14-16.
- Houston is 9-8 ATS at home, while Minnesota is 11-8-1 ATS on the road.
- Of the Timberwolves’ 20 road games, they have 11 overs and 9 unders.
- Of the Rockets’ 17 home games, they have 9 overs and 8 unders.
Bettings Trends:
- The Timberwolves are 4-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Rockets are 2-3.
- In their last five games, Minnesota has 3 unders and 2 overs, while Houston has 3 overs and 2 unders.
- During their last five games, the Timberwolves have scored an average of 109.8 points per game (2.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 102.8 points per game (11.3 below their season average).
- The Rockets’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.4, down from 4.8 for the season.
