The Minnesota Timberwolves (27-14) visit the Houston Rockets (23-14) in a Western Conference showdown between two playoff contenders. Ranked third in the Northwest and fourth in the West, the Timberwolves aim to build on a strong recent stretch, while the sixth-seeded Rockets in the West look to capitalize on home-court advantage amid injury challenges. The teams have split their two meetings this season, with Houston winning 121-115 on February 21, 2025, and Minnesota taking 127-114 on February 6, 2025. Key battles include Anthony Edwards’ scoring against Jalen Green’s explosiveness, potentially leading to a high-scoring affair if Edwards plays.
Venue Location
Toyota Center, Houston, Texas. This 18,055-capacity arena is the home of the Rockets, known for its lively crowd and modern facilities.
Tipoff is scheduled for
9:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. PT / 8:30 p.m. CT). The game will be nationally televised on ESPN, with local broadcasts on FanDuel Sports Network – North for Minnesota and Space City Home Network for Houston. Streaming available via ESPN+ and NBA League Pass (regional restrictions apply).
Recent Team Forms
The Timberwolves are 7-3 in their last 10 games, showcasing elite defense. They recently dominated Milwaukee 139-106 (Jan 13), edged San Antonio 104-103 (Jan 11), but fell 146-134 at Cleveland (Jan 10). Wins include a 131-122 victory over Cleveland (Jan 8) and 122-94 over Miami (Jan 6). Averaging 122 PPG in wins, they’ve held opponents to ~110 in victories, with strong rebounding (45 RPG) but occasional turnover issues.
The Rockets are 5-5 in their last 10, mixing strong home performances with road struggles. They beat Chicago 119-113 (Jan 13), but lost 111-98 at Sacramento (Jan 11) and 111-105 at Portland (Jan 9). Wins include 100-97 over Phoenix (Jan 5) and 120-96 at Brooklyn (Jan 1). Scoring 110 PPG recently, they’ve excelled in rebounding (50 RPG) in wins but allowed ~115 in losses.
| Team | Last 10 Record | Avg. PPG (Last 10) | Avg. Opp. PPG (Last 10) | Key Trend |
| Timberwolves | 7-3 | ~120 | ~112 | Dominant defense in wins (opponents <45% FG); strong rebounding but vulnerable to 3s in losses. |
| Rockets | 5-5 | ~110 | ~108 | Elite home rebounding (top-5); turnovers high in road losses (~15 per game). statmuse.com +5 |
Injury Report
Injuries could impact both teams’ frontcourts and backcourts, potentially leading to lower totals.
Timberwolves Key Injuries:
Anthony Edwards (SG): Out (right foot injury) – Major scoring loss; game-time decision potential but ruled out per latest.
Terrence Shannon Jr. (SG): Out (left foot abductor hallucis strain) – Extended absence.
Rudy Gobert (C): Questionable (league suspension served; expected return) – Defensive anchor likely back.
Others: Enrique Freeman (two-way), Rocco Zikarsky (two-way) – Out.
Rockets Key Injuries:
Tari Eason (F): Out (right ankle sprain) – Athletic forward sidelined.
Dorian Finney-Smith (F): Out (left ankle injury management) – Defensive specialist absent.
Fred VanVleet (G): Out (right knee ACL repair) – Season-long absence; playmaking hit.
Others: Isaiah Crawford (G League), Tristen Newton (G League) – Out.
With Edwards out, Minnesota leans on Julius Randle and Naz Reid; Houston relies on Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson.
Key
Player Matchups
Injuries alter dynamics, focusing on available stars:
Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves SG) vs. Jalen Green (Rockets SG): If Edwards plays (out per latest), his scoring (33+ PPG recently) tests Green’s defense. Green (high usage) could exploit Minnesota’s perimeter if Edwards sits.
Rudy Gobert (Timberwolves C) vs. Alperen Sengun (Rockets C): Gobert’s rim protection (if available) vs. Sengun’s playmaking (high usage). Sengun’s mid-range could challenge Gobert’s drop coverage.
Julius Randle (Timberwolves PF) vs. Jabari Smith Jr. (Rockets PF): Randle’s versatility vs. Smith’s spacing. Smith returning from injury could limit minutes but provide 3-point threat.
Bench Battle: Naz Reid/Timberwolves reserves vs. Amen Thompson/Rockets depth: Reid’s scoring fills gaps; Thompson’s athleticism boosts Houston amid absences.
Series History
The Rockets lead the all-time series 85-55. In the last 10 meetings, Minnesota is 7-3, including a 127-114 win on February 6, 2025. Houston has won 60% of home games vs. Minnesota recently, but the Timberwolves covered in 70% of the last 10 head-to-heads.
Betting Trends
Spread: Timberwolves are 22-19 ATS overall, 12-8 as road underdogs. Rockets are 18-19 ATS, 12-2 as home favorites.
Moneyline: Minnesota wins 60% as underdogs; Houston 80% as favorites.
Over/Under: Timberwolves games hit over in 24 of 41 (58.5%); Rockets in 20 of 37 (54.1%). Recent trends: Overs in 6 of Timberwolves’ last 10; unders in 5 of Rockets’ last 7 home games.
Other Trends: Timberwolves 7-3 ATS in last 10 vs. Rockets; Houston covers 70% as home favorites of 3+ points.
Game Odds
Minnesota Timberwolves 224.5
Houston Rockets – 3.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, January 15, 2026
