Houston Rockets at Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday, December 17th, 2016 at 8pm EST. Rockets beat New Orleans 122-100 last night while Timberwolves have been on a 3-day rest. Even though Minnesota got their first win in the last 10 games on Tuesday and the Rockets are on a 9 game winning streak. Houston is only a 3 point favorite for tonight’s NBA game.
Houston and Minnesota Against The Spread
In the last 10 head-to-head games, Houston leads 9-1. 5-5 against the spread and the over/under 9-1. This season the Rockets on the road are 10-5 and 12-3 against the spread. Minnesota at home this season are 3-9 and 4-8 against the spread.
(20-7) Houston Rockets vs Minnesota Timberwolves (7-18)
Date: Saturday, December 17th, 2016
Time: 8pm EST
Venue: Target Center – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Official Twitter Hashtags: #PowerOfThePack, #Rockets50, #HOUvsMIN
Moneyline Odds: N/A
Spread Odds: Rockets -3 (-110), Timberwolves +3 (-110)
Over/Under Odds: 220 (-110)
Odds provided by Bovada, for updated odds click here.
NBA Pick: $5 on Rockets -3 at -110 odds.
Houston Rockets vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction
Rockets vs Timberwolves Team Average Stats
- Points Per Game*: Rockets 117.4, Timberwolves 99.6
- Field Goal %: Rockets 47%, Timberwolves 45%
- 3 Point %: Rockets 38%, Timberwolves 34%
- Free Throw %: Rockets 74%, Timberwolves 77%
*- Average points per game are over the last 5 games.
Minnesota Timberwolves first victory in the last 10 games showed that they can play team basketball on the NBA level. However, the Timberwolves are going up against a red-hot Houston Rockets team on a 9 game winning streak. The Rockets are beating teams by an average of 17 points. Given that Houston is only a 3 point favorite for this game even with no rest, I believe the Rockets can cover the spread with a victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Going by the average numbers above, Houston shouldn’t have a problem outscoring Minnesota with field goal shots and 3 pointers as long as they stay out of foul trouble. The Timberwolves average a good 77% at the free throw line.
If somehow the game is close late in the 4th quarter, Minnesota will have a fighting chance to stay in the game with free throws alone. However, the Rockets 3 point shooters have been on fire game after game. So my NBA betting pick is still Rockets -3 against the spread at -110 odds.
What do you think about tonight’s NBA game Houston Rockets vs Minnesota Timberwolves?
