Rockets vs. Timberwolves Odds, Analysis, Pick ATS

Houston Rockets (1-8 SU, 4-3-2 ATS) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (4-5 SU, 3-6-0
ATS)

When: Saturday, November 5th, 8:00 PM (ET)

Where: Target Center, MN, Minneapolis

TV: BSN

Point Spread: HOU +8.5/ MIN -8.5

Total: OFF

Money Line: Houston Rockets +280/ -358

Notable Injuries

Rockets

• Jae’Sean Tate (Out) Ankle
• Bruno Fernando (Out) Knee
• Jabari Smith Jr. (Out) Illness
• TyTy Washington Jr. (Out) Knee

Timberwolves

• Rudy Gobert (Probable) Illness
• Anthony Edwards (Probable) Illness

Recent Form

The Rockets come into today’s matchup with an overall record of 1-8. So far, the team has gone
4-3-2 against the spread. Houston will take the court, having lost 5 straight games. The team has
an average scoring margin of -9.4 in these matchups.

Houston will be gunning to get in the win column vs the Timberwolves, as they previously lost
to the Clippers by a score of 109-101. However, because they entered as 6-point underdogs, they
came away with an ATS win. Houston was not able to turn things around in the 2nd half, as they
trailed the Clippers by 8 going into halftime. In the loss, Alperen Sengün led the team in
scoring with 26 points on a field goal percentage of 61.5%.

The Timberwolves come into today’s matchup with an overall record of 4-5. So far, the team has
gone 3-6-0 against the spread. Minnesota will take the court, having lost 3 straight games. On
average, they have lost these games by -10.33 points per game.

Not only did the Timberwolves drop their last game to the Bucks. But they also picked up an
ATS loss, as they fell by a score of 115-102 as 2-point underdogs. Minnesota was not able to turn
things around in the 2nd half, as they trailed the Bucks by 13 going into halftime. In the loss,
Anthony Edwards led the team in scoring with 24 points on a field goal percentage of 52.6%.

The Historicals

Going back to last season, the Timberwolves took the season series 3-0. This mark came while
posting a mark of 1-0 as the host team. In last year’s head-to-head meetings, the Rockets
averaged 120.33 points per game vs Minnesota, which was an increase over their season-long
average. On the other side, the Timberwolves also experienced an uptick in scoring during
head-to-head matchups, averaging 134.67 points per game vs Houston. Across the previous 5
meetings between the teams, the Timberwolves have an average scoring margin of +6 points per
game, leading to an ATS mark of 3-2. The over-under record in these same games is 3-2, with the
teams combining for an average of 244 points per game.

Analysis

Through 9 games, the Rockets are averaging 107.0 points per contest, placing them 29th in the
NBA. Coming into today’s game, the Rockets will be looking to improve their 3-point shooting
numbers, as they are averaging just 11.9 made 3’s per game. If Houston continues to struggle with
their outside shot, they may look to start playing with more pace, as they are currently 16th in
the league in possessions per game.

On defense, the Rockets will look for some improved play, as they are currently the
30th-ranked unit in points allowed per game.

One thing to watch will be if Kevin Porter Jr. will be able to take advantage of his matchup
vs the Timberwolves. Last year, they were ranked just 27th in points allowed to point-guards.

Through 9 games, the Timberwolves are averaging 112.8 points per contest, placing them 19th in
the NBA. For the season, the Timberwolves have been playing an up-tempo style of basketball as
they sit 5th in the NBA in possessions per game.. Although the Timberwolves’ offense does a good
job generating possessions, their poor shooting numbers are a key reason for their poor scoring
numbers. So far, the team has an effective field goal percentage of just 51.8%.

On defense, the Timberwolves will look for some improved play, as they are currently the
24th-ranked unit in points allowed per game.

Anthony Edwards could be in line for a big game vs the Rockets as they were one of the worst
units at defending shooting guards in the 2021-2022 regular season.

Betting Trends

Rockets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points
or more in their previous game. Rockets are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 Saturday games. Timberwolves
are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 Saturday games. Timberwolves are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 home games
vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.

Joes Pick To Cover The Spread

The Timberwolves threw up a dud last night in a game I thought they’d be more competitive.
Most of their games are close because they’re defense sucks. There’s a reason they’re huge
favorites tonight… Both myself and the oddsmakers think they’re tanking to get Victor
Wembanyama as the number one pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. I’m betting the T-Wolves minus the
points tonight.