Game Preview: Rockets v Timberwolves

The Houston Rockets host the Minnesota Timberwolves at Toyota Center on
Saturday. The Timberwolves (23-35) continue to battle for the eight-seed in the
west, as they are coming off a crucial victory over the Dallas Mavericks. That
comes after a win over the Denver Nuggets before the break and those two wins
are keeping them in contention for the playoffs. What’s most promising about
this mini burst is the fact that the defense has really turned things around,
allowing just 183 combined points in those two games. The talent is there for
this team to go on a huge run too, but they simply won’t compete unless they
continue to play defense like this. Many were concerned when Zach LaVine got
injured, but Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins have been fantastic since, as
they are combining for 61 points and 15 rebounds per game since February 5. The
Rockets (41-18) come into this matchup wining five of their last six games, as
they quieted a hyped New Orleans Pelicans team in their first game back after
the All-Star break. The recipe is the same as its been all season, with Houston
ranking second in both scoring and assists. What’s really been big for them is
their defense, as the Rockets rank 12th in defensive efficiency. Many may look
at the 108 points a game they allow, which ranks 24th, but the efficiency number
is much more accurate with their up-tempo style of play. As long as they can
continue to rank top-20 in defensive efficiency, they simply have too much
offense not to win games at a rapid pace. The acquisition of Lou Williams
appears to be a steal as well, as the Sixth Man of the Year candidate dropped 27
points off the bench in his debut with the Rockets. The Rockets have won their
last seven home games against the Timberwolves, with the two teams splitting
their first two games in Minnesota this season.