By Stephen Nover
Timberwolves plus 12 1/2 at Rockets
It has been eight years since the Timberwolves beat the Rockets in Houston. I don’t expect Minnesota to end that 13-game road losing streak to the Rockets. I do expect, though, the Timberwolves to hang within single digits.
Houston isn’t playing nearly well enough to be laying this many points to any NBA opponent. The Rockets are 0-4 SU and ATS in their last four games losing to the Knicks on the road by two, falling to the Clippers by 15 at home, dropping a road game to the Hornets by nine points and getting blown out at home by 20 points to the Magic two days ago.
The Rockets have been cold with their 3-point shooting and are minus-36 rebounding during their losing streak. That’s the danger of going with the smallest lineup in the NBA. Houston also could be minus Eric Gordon, its third-leading scorer. He’s questionable with a knee injury.
The major part of my handicap is a fade on the Rockets. But the Timberwolves do offer a top-10 offense. They have produced at least 115 points in 11 of their last 14 games. D’Angelo Russell is an accomplished scorer and shooting guard Malik Beasley is one of the more underrated players in the league producing nine 20-point performances in 13 games since coming from Denver.
Sure there’s a chance the Rockets take their frustrations out on the Timberwolves. Keep in mind, though, the Rockets are playing their third game in four days and have a far bigger matchup on deck against the Lakers on Thursday. Houston is not a deep team either. So even in a worst case scenario for the Timberwolves of the Rockets getting things together, the backdoor should swing open if late-game garbage time should occur.
(Editor’s note: Stephen Nover is one of the hottest basketball ‘cappers in North America with a 67-45 record on his premium NBA plays this season and going 109-61-6 on his college basketball plays the past two seasons, including 43-22-4 on his last 69 CBB plays! Stephen also is beating the NHL for a fourth straight year and just cashed an underdog winner with the Kings on Monday. All of Stephen’s plays come with his unique, in-depth analysis. If you are interested in Stephen’s sports service please email him at scriber26@gmail.com, or message him via Twitter.)
