The Minnesota Timberwolves (36-25) travel to Houston to take on the Rockets (44-13) in a game that has the potential to be high-scoring. The game can be seen on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, February 23, 2018.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 226 points with Houston opening as an 8.5-point favorite.
Minnesota Timberwolves at Houston Rockets ATS Prediction
The Timberwolves come in on a high note after topping the Los Angeles Lakers in their last matchup, 119-111. The Timberwolves knocked down 29 of their 31 free throws (93.5 percent) and had a turnover percentage of 8.8 (better than their season average of 10.9). Minnesota was lifted by Taj Gibson, who was the game’s high scorer with 28 points on 11-for-16 shooting.
In the Rockets’ last matchup, they beat the Sacramento Kings, 100-91. One of Houston’s biggest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 20-22 (90.9 percent), while the Kings were just 5-8 (62.5 percent). James Harden was the game’s leading scorer with 28 points on 7-for-19 shooting.
Houston could have their way on the offensive side of the ball as their productive offense goes up against one of the league’s worst defenses. The Rockets rank second in offensive efficiency, while Minnesota ranks 25th in defensive efficiency. Furthermore, the Timberwolves rank fourth in offensive rebounding percentage (24.8 percent), while the Rockets rank second in defensive rebounding percentage (81.2 percent).
Minnesota comes into the game with records of 36-25 straight up (SU) and 28-30-3 against the spread (ATS). Of the Timberwolves’ 61 games, 27 have finished under, 33 have finished over and one has pushed.
Meanwhile, Houston is 44-13 SU and 28-28-1 ATS. Contrary to Minnesota, just over half of Rockets games have finished under the total.
Clint Capela has averaged 16.8 points, 13.4 rebounds and 2.6 blocks over the last five games for Houston.
The Rockets have emerged victorious in both games against the Timberwolves this year, including an 18-point blowout in their last matchup. Houston covered as a 3-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 234 points, which was 10 points above the projected point total of 224 points. The Rockets had a better turnover percentage (5.9 vs. 7.8) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.627 vs. 0.512). In the loss, Karl-Anthony Towns had a double-double with 35 points and 12 rebounds.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Houston Rockets Betting Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Rockets, ATS Winner – Timberwolves, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Minnesota is 13-15-2 ATS with 16 overs and 14 unders.
At home, Houston is 11-17-1 ATS with 16 overs and 13 unders.
When holding opponents below 100 points, Houston is 20-2 and Minnesota is 16-4.
The Timberwolves are 34-16 when they reach 100 points, while the Rockets are 43-10.
Houston ranks first in three pointers attempted per game (42.8) while Minnesota ranks 28th (22.2).
The Timberwolves rank sixth in points in the paint per game (48.3) while the Rockets rank 27th in points allowed in the paint per game (47.6).
Minnesota ranks third in second chance points per game (14.3) while Houston ranks 21st (11.6).
The Timberwolves rank fourth in points off turnovers per game (18.2) while the Rockets rank 15th in points off turnovers allowed per game (16.1).
Houston ranks 16th in fast break points per game (10.9) while Minnesota ranks 25th (9.6).
The Timberwolves rank first in steals allowed per game (6.3) while the Rockets rank ninth (7.4).
Minnesota averages 22.9 assists per game, which ranks 12th in the NBA. Houston ranks 16th in assists allowed per game (23.1).
The Rockets allow the second-fewest rebounds per game (41.4) while the Timberwolves rank third (41.4).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Minnesota is 0-5 ATS with 5 overs.
Houston is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Timberwolves have been outscored by an average of 1.6 points in their last five games. On the season, Minnesota has defeated opponents by an average of 2.9 points.
During their last five games, the Rockets have scored an average of 113.8 points per game (0.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 100.2 points per game (5.2 below their season average).
