The Houston Rockets once again staved off a late-rally by their opponent last night to get their 31st win of the season and ninth in a row.
TheHouston Rocketsonce again staved off a late-rally by their opponent last night to get their 31st win of the season and ninth in a row.
I sometimes the Rockets just need a challenge late just to ensure that they still have the right stuff.
Apparently, they do because they were able to take care of business.
The Rockets will now head up to Minneapolis for a quick trip to take on the 12-26 Timberwolves.
They’re still the same team we faced last month but they’ve improved their ball movement and offense.
We had to grind them out in overtime in their last meeting back Dec. 17th to win so this may be another photo finish or just another speed bump along the way.
It’s up for the Rockets to decide that.
So who’s leading the charge for the Timberwolves?
Andrew Wigginsleads the team in scoring (21.9 PPG).Karl-Anthony Townsis the top board-getter (11.6 RPG) and shot-blocker (1.4 BPG).Ricky Rubiois in charge of the dimes (7.4 APG) and steals (1.8 SPG).
Let’s talk about what the Timberwolves do well.
They’re an excellent rebounding team.The T-Wolves are4thin the NBA as far as rebound rate, taking down51.8 percent of missed shots.
They’re efficient at moving the ball around.The T-Wolves are10thin assist ratio, with17.1 percent of their possessions ending with an assist.
They’re offensively-minded.The T-Wolves are11thin offensive efficiency, averaging106.1 points per 100 possessions.
Next: James Harden To Sign A Super-Max Deal In 2017?
Injuries:
Clint Capelacollided intoKarl-Anthony TownsDec. 17th against the T-Wolves. He seemed to be in tremendous pain and could not walk on his own power to locker room.
It’s apparent that he has a minor fracture of his fibula and is expected to be out at least four weeks.Nenewill have some big shoes to fill as Capela heals but the Rockets can press on without him.
Capela has resumed on-court activities and is still on track to return within the estimated four- to six-week window that started Dec. 19.
He should be re-examined within the next week or so.
It would be nice for the Rockets to make a deal for his replacement but I think the depth of our bench could fill his void.
Patrick Beverleyhas been dealing with some pain in his wristthat sidelined him back Dec. 31 against the New York Knicks. He returned to action last night against the Oklahoma City Thunder back Jan. 5, chipping in 11 points, eight rebounds and three assists.
This included him snagging four of those rebounds in the last 90 minutes of the game. He was still in a lot of pain after the game and he’ll likely continue to play through it. I’d definitely keep an eye on the progression of his healing.
Eric Gordonsprained his left big toe against the Raptors Sunday nightand missed Tuesday’s game against the Hornets. He also will not travel with the team to Minneapolis so he will beOUTfor tonight.
For the T-Wolves,Zach LaVinesuffered a left hip contusion during Monday’s contestagainst the Dallas Mavericks. He had to leave the game early as a result and has been deemed as day-to-day. He’ll likely be ruled asQUESTIONABLEfor tonight.Kris Dunncould get the start if LaVine can’t go but I’d startTyus Jonesif I were Coach Thibs.
Source(s): Houston Rockets, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, Calvin Watkins of ESPN.com, Kyle Ratke of Timberwolves.com
Matchups to Watch:
- Trevor Arizavs.Andrew Wiggins
- Patrick Beverleyvs.Zach LaVine?/Kris Dunn/Tyus Jones
- Nene Hilario/Montrezl Harrellvs.Karl-Anthony Towns
- Ryan Andersonvs.Gorgui Dieng
Prediction:
115-103in aHouston Rockets’win!
The Rockets have returned home to take on theT-WolvesatTarget Center.
Tip-off is scheduled for7 p.m. CST.
The game will be televised onROOT Sports Southwestand broadcast onSportsTalk 790 AM (KBME), Sirius/XM/SiriusXM Internet 890andLa Ranchera 101.7 FM (KNTE) & 850 AM (KEYH) in Spanish.
Go Rockets!
Add us as a preferred source onGoogleLoading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations