Timberwolves at Rockets: Prediction, point spread, odds, over/under, betting picks

The Houston Rockets will reach the mid-point of both a current three-game homestand and their 2021-22 regular season when Minnesota visits Toyota Center on Sunday, and if you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research, you’re in luck! We have the latest point spread, money line odds and over/under number, as well as all the information you’ll need to make the smartest bets at Tipico Sportsbook.

The Rockets-Timberwolves game tips at 6 p.m. CST and can be viewed or streamed via AT&T SportsNet Southwest and NBA League Pass.

Defense will clearly be a focal point for the Rockets, who are 1-9 in their last 10 games and have allowed 130 or more points four times in that run. That includes Friday’s blowout loss to Dallas, and two nights later, Houston is hoping to make amends on that same Toyota Center court.

To turn the tables on Sunday, the Rockets will need a much better effort versus a young and athletic Timberwolves squad that ranks No. 6 in the NBA in defensive rating. As a result, attempting to simply outscore them in a high-scoring affair isn’t likely to bring the desired result.

Instead, Houston likely needs to take advantage of Minnesota’s weaker side — its No. 24-ranked offense — with a much more focused and energetic effort than the lethargic showing versus the Mavericks.

The Rockets have plenty of young players who can create and score, headlined by Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., and Christian Wood, but their challenge as the 2021-22 regular season hits its mid-point is to see many of those younger players start to show growth on defense, as well.

Timberwolves at Rockets notable injuries

For Minnesota, Patrick Beverley is questionable with right groin soreness, while Leandro Bolmaro is out due to health and safety protocols.

As for Houston’s injury/status report, Usman Garuba is sidelined in the NBA’s health and safety protocol, while Alperen Sengun is out with a right ankle sprain. Garrison Mathews is questionable with a left ankle sprain.

Probable Lineups

Rockets-Timberwolves game lines (Jan. 11)

Point spread: Timberwolves -6.5
Money line: Rockets +225 / Timberwolves -290
Over-under: 231.5

Click here to place your bets at Tipico Sportsbook.

Advice and prediction

The Rockets showed some pride in Friday’s second half, allowing just 50 points to Dallas after surrending 80 in the first half. That would seem to indicate that the team hasn’t checked out on Stephen Silas.

The Timberwolves (19-20) are clearly the better overall team and are still likely to win, straight up. But with a much improved effort relative to Friday, we’ll take the Rockets (11-29) to cover in an “under” game versus a Minnesota squad that does have weaknesses on offense.

Prediction: Timberwolves 115, Rockets 110

This post originally appeared on Rockets Wire. Follow us on Facebook!