The Houston Rockets (3-1) will look to advance to the Western Conference Semifinals when they meet the Minnesota Timberwolves (1-3) at Toyota Center in game five of the First Round of the Western Conference Playoffs. The game can be seen on ATTSN Southwest at 9:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 25, 2018.
Houston is a 12-point favorite on the opening line, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 216 points.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Houston Rockets Betting Prediction
In game four, Harden scored a game-high 36 points and the Rockets beat the Timberwolves 119-100, covering as 6-point favorites. The game finished with a total of 219 points, which was just 2 points above the projected point total of 217 points. The Rockets had a much better turnover percentage (5.5 vs. 14.5) and had a better free throw rate (0.250 vs. 0.167).
Houston could have their way on the offensive side of the ball as their prolific offense squares off against one of the worst defenses in the league. The Rockets rank first in offensive efficiency, while Minnesota ranks 24th in defensive efficiency. Moreover, the Timberwolves, who rank fourth in offensive rebounding percentage (24.3 percent), will battle against the Rockets, who rank fourth in defensive rebounding percentage (79.8 percent).
Minnesota heads into the game with records of 48-38 straight up (SU) and 40-43-3 against the spread (ATS). Of the Timberwolves’ 86 games, 47 have finished over the total.
Meanwhile, Houston is 68-18 SU and 43-41-2 ATS. Of the Rockets’ 86 games, 49 have finished under the total.
Minnesota Timberwolves at Houston Rockets Free Pick
Free NBA Tip: SU Winner – Rockets, ATS Winner – Timberwolves, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Minnesota is 18-23-2 ATS with 22 unders and 21 overs.
At home, Houston is 18-24-1 ATS with 24 unders and 19 overs.
Minnesota is 19-4 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Houston is 33-3.
The Timberwolves are 45-24 when they reach 100 points, while the Rockets are 65-13.
Houston ranks first in three pointers attempted per game (42.4) while Minnesota ranks last (22.5).
The Timberwolves rank fourth in points in the paint per game (49.2) while the Rockets rank 28th (40.9).
Minnesota ranks 17th in assists per game (22.7) while Houston ranks 27th (21.4).
The Timberwolves rank first in steals allowed per game (6.5) while the Rockets rank 10th (7.3).
Houston ranks fifth in blocks allowed per game (4.4) while Minnesota ranks 14th (4.7).
The Rockets rank 17th in fast break points per game (11.3) while the Timberwolves rank 25th (9.7).
Minnesota ranks sixth in points off turnovers per game (17.3) while Houston ranks 11th in points off turnovers allowed per game (15.5).
The Timberwolves rank third in rebounds allowed per game (41.9) while the Rockets rank seventh (42.3).
Minnesota ranks seventh in second chance points per game (13.4) while Houston ranks ninth in second chance points allowed per game (11.8).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Minnesota is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Houston is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Timberwolves have been outscored by an average of 4.0 points in their last five games. For the season, Minnesota has defeated opponents by an average of 1.8 points.
During their last five games, the Rockets have scored an average of 102.6 points per game (9.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 100.0 points per game (3.7 below their season average).
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