7:00 p.m., Toyota Center
Where to Watch: Fox Sports North
Where to Listen: 830 WCCO
The Timberwolves will cap off their long road trip tonight in Houston as they take on the 34-34 Rockets.
Minnesota has played well in their three straight games away from the Target Center and will look to make it four this evening.
Keep these tidbits in mind for tonight’s matchup:
– The Rockets rank 4th in the league in points per game with over 106.
– Houston is first in the league, besting the Golden State Warriors, in 3-point attempts per game with over 31.
– Zach LaVine has been on a tear as of late, averaging nearly 20 points and shooting 52.8 percent from the field.
Coming Off Of
Minnesota beat a crippled Memphis Grizzlies team on Wednesday night, 114-108, thanks to a great effort by their starters. Every starter for the Timberwolves scored at least 15 points and LaVine lead the pack with 28 points.
Houston most recently lost in a disappointing game to the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night, 122-106. James Harden played well and tossed in 33 points, and newcomer and ex-Timberwolf Michael Beasley had a nice game with 16 points and eight rebounds.
Last Matchup:
Minnesota and Houston have only played once this year and it was a barnburner. The two Western Conference teams met on Jan. 13th and the Rockets came out with the tight victory, 107-104.
James Harden scored well for Houston with 27 points and even had 11 assists. Andrew Wiggins had a game-high 28 points and Kevin Martin contributed 22 points off the bench.
Key Matchup: Timberwolves’ Defense vs. Harden
In wins this season for Houston, Harden averages nearly 31 points. In losses? 26. Minnesota, who currently rank 24th in defense, needs to prevent the 26-year-old out of Arizona State from getting easy shots and open looks. If Minnesota can force other players to beat them other than Harden, the Timberwolves will have a great shot at finishing the road-trip with a great victory.
Injuries:
Rockets: Sam Dekker (back) is questionable.
Wolves: Nikola Pekovic (foot) and Kevin Garnett (knee) are both out. Gorgui Dieng (hip) is probable.
Projected Starters:
Rockets: PG- Beverley, SG- Harden, SF- Ariza, PF- Motiejunas, C- Howard
Minnesota: PG- Rubio, SG- LaVine, SF- Wiggins, PF- Dieng, C- Towns
