The thriving Minnesota Timberwolves hope to remain hot as they visit the slumping Houston Rockets, who are still without Alperen Sengun.

AWAY: Minnesota Timberwolves (10-8, 5-5 ROAD)

Projected starting five:

  • Donte DiVincenzo
  • Bones Hyland / Anthony Edwards (out)
  • Jaden McDaniels
  • Julius Randle
  • Rudy Gobert

Minnesota enters this matchup riding serious momentum, having won six of its last seven games with a dominant +13.6 point differential. Even more impressive, they dismantled the Milwaukee Bucks 139-106 in their most recent outing without Anthony Edwards, underscoring how complete this roster has become. Edwards remains out, but Minny is a composed squad regardless.

Julius Randle provides steady, matchup-proof scoring, while Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert anchor an elite defensive backbone. Naz Reid continues to punish second units with his shooting and versatility, and Donte DiVincenzo’s spacing and energy have been invaluable in keeping the offense fluid.

That two-way consistency shows in the numbers. Minnesota ranks third in scoring and sixth in defensive rating, a rare blend that travels well. Antman’s explosiveness and all not being present iis concerning, but the adaptability makes them a difficult test for a likewise shorthanded Rockets team.

HOME: Houston Rockets (23-15, 12-3 HOME)

Projected starting five:

  • Reed Sheppard
  • Amen Thompson
  • Kevin Durant
  • Jabari Smith Jr.
  • Steven Adams

The Rockets are going through a rougher stretch, losing four of their last five games with a -6.8 point differential, and much of it traces back to the absence of Alperen Sengun. Without their offensive hub and primary playmaker, Houston’s attack has lacked its usual rhythm and structure, forcing others to shoulder unfamiliar responsibilities.

Kevin Durant has taken on that burden admirably. At 37, he’s still capable of carrying an offense, providing elite shot-making and leadership on a nightly basis. Amen Thompson’s continued development has also been a bright spot, particularly his growing confidence and assertiveness on the offensive end, even as the overall system adjusts without Sengun.

Despite the struggles, Houston, who has a strong 12-3 record at home, remains competitive because of its identity. The Rockets are ninth in scoring and third in points allowed per game, evidence that their defense keeps them in games even when the offense sputters. If they can clean up execution and late-game lapses, especially against a surging Minnesota squad, this matchup could become a much tougher fight than recent results suggest.

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Spread: Timberwolves (+3.5)
Over/Under: Over (222)