| MATCHUP | Minnesota Timberwolves | Houston Rockets |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 27-14 | 23-15 |
| Spread | +4.5 -115 | -4.5 -105 |
| Moneyline | +142 | -170 |
| Total | Over 222.5 (-110) | Under 222.5 (-110) |
| Where | Toyota Center (Houston), Houston, TX | |
| When | Friday, January 16, 2026 | |
| Time | 09:30 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN | |
Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Preview
The Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Spurs and Bucks, and they play the Spurs next. The Timberwolves have won 17 of their last 23 games.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are averaging 120.3 points on 48.6 percent shooting and allowing 114.6 points on 46 percent shooting. Anthony Edwards is averaging 28.9 points and 5 rebounds, while Julius Randle is averaging 22.2 points and 5.7 assists. Jaden McDaniels is the third double-digit scorer, and Naz Reid is grabbing 6.2 rebounds. The Minnesota Timberwolves are shooting 37.4 percent from beyond the arc and 75.3 percent from the free-throw line. The Minnesota Timberwolves are allowing 35.3 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 44.8 rebounds per game.
Houston Rockets Betting Preview
The Houston Rockets lost to the Thunder, beat the Bulls, and they play the Pelicans next. The Rockets have lost 4 of their last 5 games.
The Houston Rockets are averaging 117.3 points on 47.8 percent shooting and allowing 110.8 points on 46.2 percent shooting. Kevin Durant is averaging 26.1 points and 5.3 rebounds, while Alperen Sengun is averaging 21.7 points and 8.9 rebounds. Amen Thompson is the third double-digit scorer, and Jabari Smith Jr. is grabbing 6.9 rebounds. The Houston Rockets are shooting 36.3 percent from beyond the arc and 76.8 percent from the free-throw line. The Houston Rockets are allowing 35.6 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 49.4 rebounds per game.
Why the Houston Rockets will win
- The Rockets have won 18 of their last 19 games as home favorites against the Timberwolves.
- The Timberwolves have lost 17 of their last 19 games at Toyota Center against Rockets teams that held a winning record.
- The Timberwolves have failed to cover the spread in each of their last five road games against Western Conference opponents following a win.
- The Rockets have covered the spread in each of their last four night games following a home loss.
Why the Minnesota Timberwolves will win
- The Timberwolves have won 17 of their last 18 games against opponents who are on the second leg of a back-to-back.
- The Rockets have lost four of their last five games as favorites against Western Conference opponents.
- The Rockets have failed to cover the spread in 13 of their last 14 games on the second leg of a back-to-back.
- The Timberwolves have covered the spread in 17 of their last 19 games as underdogs when playing with a rest advantage.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Timberwolves’ last six games at Toyota Center following a road win have gone OVER the total points line.
- Seven of the Rockets’ last eight games have gone UNDER the total points line.
Houston Rockets Player Facts
- Amen Thompson ranks T4th in the league for points in the paint (480) this season.
- Reed Sheppard ranks 14th amongst qualified players for steals per 36 minutes (2.0) this season.
Minnesota Timberwolves Player Facts
- Mike Conley ranks 3rd amongst qualified players for assist:turnover ratio (5.0) this season.
- Naz Reid ranks 2nd amongst qualified Centers for three-pointers made per game (2.4) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Rockets rank 1st in the league for offensive rebounds per game this season (16.5).
- The Rockets rank 1st in the league for opponent free throw percentage this season (75.8%).
- The Timberwolves rank 2nd in the league for opponent blocks per game this season (3.9).
- The Timberwolves rank T2nd in the league for Q4 points per game this season (30.0).
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Houston Rockets Injury Report
The Rockets will be without Fred VanVleet, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Tari Eason.
The Timberwolves will be without Terrence Shannon Jr. and Anthony Edwards.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Houston Rockets Prediction
The Rockets should be favored at home against a Timberwolves side that won’t have Ant-Man. However, the Rockets are in a slump, losing 4 of their last 5 games, and they’ve covered just 2 of their last 10 games. The Rockets are also on the end of a back to back. The Rockets haven’t cashed a ticket since New Year’s Day. I just can’t get behind the Rockets given their current form. Give me the Timberwolves and the free points.