The Houston Rockets will open their 2021-22 regular season with Wednesday’s visit to Minnesota, and if you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research, you’re in luck! We’ll give you the latest point spread, moneyline odds and over-under number, as well as the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet on Tipico Sportsbook.
The game tips off at 7 p.m. Central and can be viewed or streamed via AT&T SportsNet Southwest and NBA League Pass.
At 17-55 and 23-49, respectively, the Rockets and Timberwolves finished 2020-21 with two of the three worst records in the Western Conference. Yet, both teams have ample young talent, and it could certainly be argued each would have fared better last season if not for injuries. As such, with healthier squads and development by key prospects, both franchises hope to see better results in 2021-22.
Houston is expected to start Kevin Porter Jr., Jalen Green, Eric Gordon, Christian Wood and Daniel Theis in Wednesday’s opener, while Minnesota will likely counter with D’Angelo Russell, Anthony Edwards, Josh Okogie, Jaden McDaniels and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Projected lineups are from each team’s official game notes.
Rockets at Timberwolves notable injuries:
For the Rockets, Garrison Mathews and John Wall are each listed as out. Mathews is not yet with the team after his recent acquisition, while Wall is expected to sit out as part of a mutually agreed plan not to play in games. Danuel House Jr. is questionable due to personal reasons.
For Minnesota, Patrick Beverley is out for Wednesday’s game due to an NBA suspension from the 2021 playoffs, while Jordan McLaughlin (right groin strain) and Jaylen Nowell (back spasms) are questionable.
The lines, courtesy of Tipico Sportsbook
- Point spread: Timberwolves -5.5
- Money line: Rockets +170 / Timberwolves -210
- Over-under: 227.5 points
Advice and prediction
Despite its record, Minnesota was sneaky competitive late in the 2020-21 regular season, winning nine of its final 16 games. Relative to the Rockets, who were largely uncompetitive in the final three preseason games, the Timberwolves have the advantage of being a few years ahead in their current rebuilding cycle.
With Minnesota at home and perhaps some nerves on display from rookies Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun in their NBA debuts, it shouldn’t be a surprise if the Timberwolves cover a relatively small spread.
Prediction: Timberwolves 120, Rockets 110
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