The Houston Rockets will reach the mid-point of both a current three-game homestand and their 2021-22 regular season when Minnesota visits Toyota Center on Sunday, and if you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research, you’re in luck! We have the latest point spread, money line odds and over/under number, as well as all the information you’ll need to make the smartest bets at Tipico Sportsbook.
The Rockets-Timberwolves game tips at 6 p.m. CST and can be viewed or streamed via AT&T SportsNet Southwest and NBA League Pass.
Defense will clearly be a focal point for the Rockets, who are 1-9 in their last 10 games and have allowed 130 or more points four times in that run. That includes Friday’s blowout loss to Dallas, and two nights later, Houston is hoping to make amends on that same Toyota Center court.
To turn the tables on Sunday, the Rockets will need a much better effort versus a young and athletic Timberwolves squad that ranks No. 6 in the NBA in defensive rating. As a result, attempting to simply outscore them in a high-scoring affair isn’t likely to bring the desired result.
Instead, Houston likely needs to take advantage of Minnesota’s weaker side — its No. 24-ranked offense — with a much more focused and energetic effort than the lethargic showing versus the Mavericks.
The Rockets have plenty of young players who can create and score, headlined by Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., and Christian Wood, but their challenge as the 2021-22 regular season hits its mid-point is to see many of those younger players start to show growth on defense, as well.
Rockets guard/forward Garrison Mathews is questionable to play Sunday against the Timberwolves with a sprained left ankle. Usman Garuba (health and safety protocols) and Alperen Sengun (sprained ankle) remain out.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) January 8, 2022
