Rockets at Nuggets (Nov. 28): Prediction, point spread, odds, best bet

Jalen Green and the #Rockets are improving by the week, but they’re still clear underdogs (+11.5) in the first of two matchups against the West’s current No. 2 seed in Denver.

With 21 points, a career-high 19 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks, 20-year-old center Alperen Sengun was a beast for the Houston Rockets in Saturday’s big win over Oklahoma City. For the second-year prospect, those numbers reminded many of the early days in Denver for Nikola Jokic, now the NBA’s back-to-back MVP.

Starting Monday, the competition gets much steeper for Sengun, who will now face Jokic himself in back-to-back games.

If you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research for the first of two Rockets-Nuggets games, you’re in luck! We’ll give you the latest point spread, money line odds and over/under number, as well as the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet at BetMGM.

The game starts at 8:00 p.m. Central and can be seen via AT&T SportsNet Southwest (in Houston markets) or on NBA League Pass.

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The lines, courtesy of BetMGM

  • Point spread: Nuggets -11.5
  • Money line: Nuggets -650 / Rockets +475
  • Over-under: 228.5

Click here to place your bets at BetMGM.

Rockets at Nuggets injury report:

  • Rockets: Jae’Sean Tate out (right ankle soreness)
  • Nuggets: Jeff Green out (right knee contusion), Collin Gillespie out (right lower leg fracture), Michael Porter Jr. doubtful (left heel contusion), Bones Hyland questionable (non-COVID illness)

Expected Lineups

Advice and prediction

Houston has won two straight games and three of its past five, and the two losses (each by single digits) featured a blown 20-point lead and historic shooting nights by Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. Asking the Rockets (5-14) to win in Denver might be too much, but they are playing better of late, so covering isn’t out of the question.

On the other side, while Denver (12-7) is the current No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, their average point differential per game is only +0.7. We’ll take the visitors to cover that large spread number.

Prediction: Nuggets 118, Rockets 109

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.

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Thunder at Rockets (Nov. 26): Prediction, point spread, odds, best bet

Jalen Green led the #Rockets to a critical win over the Hawks on Friday at Toyota Center, and he’s hoping to do it again on Saturday versus Oklahoma City (-2.5).

On night two of a back-to-back for both teams and the finale of a four-game homestand at Toyota Center, the Houston Rockets will host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday night.

If you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research for the Rockets-Thunder game, you’re in luck! We’ll give you the latest point spread, money line odds and over/under number, as well as the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet at BetMGM.

The game starts at 7:00 p.m. Central and can be seen via AT&T SportsNet Southwest (in Houston markets) or on NBA League Pass.

Both the Rockets (4-14) and Thunder (8-11) were expected to be rebuilding teams entering this season. But to this point, only last-place Houston is level with its lowly expectations — though the Rockets do enter with momentum after defeating Atlanta on Friday.

With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in All-Star form and perhaps even a darkhorse candidate for MVP votes, the Thunder are a bit ahead ahead of expectations, and they’ve had some impressive wins in 2022-23 over teams like the Mavericks, Raptors, and Clippers (twice).

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The lines, courtesy of BetMGM

  • Point spread: Thunder -2.5
  • Money line: Thunder -145 / Rockets +120
  • Over-under: 232.5

Click here to place your bets at BetMGM.

Thunder at Rockets injury report:

Houston’s latest injury report, issued prior to Friday’s game on night one of the back-to-back, listed Jae’Sean Tate (right ankle soreness), Eric Gordon (right groin injury maintenance), and Alperen Sengun (right groin strain) as out. The Thunder were without Chet Holmgren (right foot surgery) and Mike Muscala (left pinky fracture).

Neither team is required to issue an updated status report for Saturday until a few hours before tipoff, owing to the back-to-back.

  • Rockets report for Saturday: TBD
  • Thunder report for Saturday: TBD

Expected Lineups

Advice and prediction

The Rockets finally have some momentum, and on paper, there shouldn’t be three-plus games of separation between these rebuilding teams before the 20-game mark. Saturday is an opportune spot for things to start evening out. The under could be a good play, as well, given that it will be night two of a back-to-back for both teams.

Prediction: Rockets 116, Thunder 112

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.

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Hawks at Rockets (Nov. 25): Prediction, point spread, odds, best bet

The Rockets (+7.5) are home underdogs to Atlanta on night one of a back-to-back, with usual starting center Alperen Sengun doubtful due to a sore right groin.

The Atlanta Hawks (11-7) are currently the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference, while the young and rebuilding Houston Rockets (3-14) are in last place out West. But the visitors have alternated wins and losses in each of their past eight games, and the hosts would love to keep that trend going in Friday’s matchup at Toyota Center.

If you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research for the Rockets-Hawks game, you’re in luck! We’ll give you the latest point spread, money line odds and over/under number, as well as the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet at BetMGM.

The game starts at 7:00 p.m. Central and can be seen via AT&T SportsNet Southwest (in Houston markets) or on NBA League Pass.

The game may feature the return of young center Bruno Fernando to the Houston rotation after missing a month with a knee injury, though it remains to be seen whether Fernando will reclaim his prior spot in the starting lineup in place of Alperen Sengun. On Friday, it could be more likely due simply to the fact that Sengun is doubtful to play due to what the Rockets listed as right groin soreness.

Houston, which hosts Oklahoma City on Saturday, will be on night one of a back-to-back. That could make them more likely to be conservative with any injuries, such as Sengun’s groin.

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The lines, courtesy of BetMGM

  • Point spread: Hawks -7.5
  • Money line: Hawks -350 / Rockets +260
  • Over-under: 237.5

Click here to place your bets at BetMGM.

Hawks at Rockets injury report:

  • Rockets: Jae’Sean Tate out (sore right ankle), Alperen Sengun doubtful (sore right groin), Bruno Fernando questionable (sore left knee), Josh Christopher probable (sore left shoulder), Jalen Green probable (sore right big toe)
  • Hawks: Bogdan Bogdanovic out (right knee injury recovery), Jarrett Culver probable (right hip contusion)

Expected Lineups

Advice and prediction

The Rockets will enter Friday’s game coming off four straight days of rest, and it took historic games from both Steph Curry and Klay Thompson on Sunday to prevent the Rockets from springing an upset on the defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors.

This feels like a potential spot for an upset — or at a bare minimum, at least a competitive game and a chance to cover the spread.

Prediction: Hawks 118, Rockets 113

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.

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Warriors at Rockets (Nov. 20): Prediction, point spread, odds, best bet

The Warriors have yet to win on the road this season, but they’re still large favorites (-9.5) in Sunday’s visit to struggling Houston. The #Rockets have two starters who may not play.

In eight tries so far, the defending NBA champion Warriors have yet to win a road game in the 2022-23 season. But they’ll have a golden opportunity to change that on Sunday in Houston.

If you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research for the Rockets-Warriors game, you’re in luck! We’ll give you the latest point spread, money line odds and over/under number, as well as the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet at BetMGM.

The game starts at 6:00 p.m. Central and can be seen via AT&T SportsNet Southwest (in Houston markets) or on NBA League Pass.

The Rockets (3-13) are already 10 games below .500 with the worst record in the Western Conference, and they’re coming off a deflating home loss Friday versus Indiana in which they blew a 20-point lead. Kevin Porter Jr. sat out with a sore lower back, and he’s doubtful versus Golden State (7-9). Making matters worse, starting center Alperen Sengun is now questionable with a sore right groin.

The only potential consolation for Houston is that the Warriors will be on a back-to-back, since they also play at New Orleans on Monday. Since the Pelicans are a tougher opponent on paper, Golden State coach Steve Kerr could opt to be more cautious with minutes and availability versus a perceived weaker opponent in Houston.

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The lines, courtesy of BetMGM

  • Point spread: Warriors -9.5
  • Money line: Warriors -500 / Rockets +375
  • Over-under: 232.5

Click here to place your bets at BetMGM.

Warriors at Rockets injury report:

  • Rockets: Jae’Sean Tate out (sore right ankle), Bruno Fernando out (sore left knee), Kevin Porter Jr. doubtful (sore lower back), Alperen Sengun questionable (sore right groin)
  • Warriors: Andre Iguodala out (left hip injury management)

Expected Lineups

Advice and prediction

The vibes are not great in Houston at the moment, and since the Rockets won’t play again until Friday, expect head coach Stephen Silas to be cautious with any nagging injuries (Porter’s back and Sengun’s groin), given potential for nearly a week’s worth of rest.

If the Warriors aggressively pursue the victory — they should be incentivized to finally get a road win, and Iguodala is the only likely absence — this has the makings of a game that could get ugly.

Prediction: Warriors 121, Rockets 108

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.

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Pacers at Rockets (Nov. 18): Prediction, point spread, odds, best bet

The Pacers enter with a winning record and four wins in five games, but they’re only moderate favorites (-5.5) in Houston. The #Rockets are looking for a second straight win.

At 3-12, the young Houston Rockets haven’t yet won consecutive games in the 2022-23 NBA season. But after winning Wednesday in Dallas, they’ll have an opportunity to put together a winning streak for the first time when Indiana visits Toyota Center on Friday.

If you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research for the Rockets-Pacers game, you’re in luck! We’ll give you the latest point spread, money line odds and over/under number, as well as the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet at BetMGM.

The game starts at 7:30 p.m. Central and can be seen via AT&T SportsNet Southwest (in Houston markets) or on NBA League Pass.

Like the Rockets, Indiana was supposed to be a rebuilding team this season, as well. But the Pacers (7-6) have overachieved all expectations thus far, thanks in part to a remarkable start by rookie guard and sixth man Bennedict Mathurin. So far, the No. 6 overall draft pick from the 2022 first round is averaging 19.9 points, 46.2% FG, 45.5% on 3-pointers, 3.8 rebounds in 27.6 minutes.

Houston hasn’t gotten that type of production from rookie forward Jabari Smith, drafted at No. 3 overall. Through 15 games, he’s shooting just 31.5% from the field and 30.4% on 3-pointers. But he is becoming a growing force with defense and rebounding, as evidenced by several key plays late in Wednesday’s win at Dallas and an average of 10.0 rebounds per game over his last four outings.

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The lines, courtesy of BetMGM

  • Point spread: Pacers -5.5
  • Money line: Pacers -210 / Rockets +170
  • Over-under: 236.5

Click here to place your bets at BetMGM.

Pacers at Rockets injury report:

  • Rockets: Jae’Sean Tate out (right ankle soreness), Bruno Fernando out (left knee soreness), Kevin Porter Jr. questionable (left low back soreness)
  • Pacers: Chris Duarte out (left ankle sprain), Daniel Theis out (right knee surgery)

Expected Lineups

Advice and prediction

The Pacers have exceeded expectations thanks to a better-than-expected start from Mathurin. The Rockets may be slightly behind theirs due to a slow start by Mathurin’s rookie counterpart, Smith, as well as an inordinate amount of road games (11 of first 15). Friday feels like an opportune time for an upset and a regression to the mean.

Prediction: Rockets 118, Pacers 114

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.

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Rockets at Mavs (Nov. 16): Prediction, point spread, odds, best bet

Even on night two of a back-to-back, Luka Doncic and the Mavericks (8-5) are big favorites (-9.5) at home versus Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., and the struggling Rockets (2-12).

In the first matchup pitting Christian Wood against his former team, the Houston Rockets (2-12) travel to Dallas for Wednesday night’s divisional showdown against the Mavericks (8-5). It’s the first meeting of the 2022-23 NBA season between the Texas rivals.

If you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research for the Rockets-Mavs clash, you’re in luck! We’ll give you the latest point spread, money line odds and over/under number, as well as the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet at BetMGM.

The game starts at 7:30 p.m. Central and can be seen via AT&T SportsNet Southwest (in Houston markets) or on NBA League Pass.

From a Rockets perspective, part of the apparent motivation for trading Wood to Dallas in June was to open up more playing time for promising second-year center Alperen Sengun. To this point, Sengun has justified that confidence, as evidenced by his averages of 16.1 points (57.4% FG) and 8.7 rebounds in 26.5 minutes.

Yet, even with those gaudy numbers, the Rockets are an NBA worst 2-12 as a team. The Mavericks, on the other hand, are 7-5 and again in strong position for an eventual spot in the 2023 playoffs. It helps to have perennial MVP candidate Luka Doncic leading the way.

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The lines, courtesy of BetMGM

  • Point spread: Mavericks -9.5
  • Money line: Mavericks -400 / Rockets +300
  • Over-under: 219.5

Click here to place your bets at BetMGM.

Rockets at Mavericks injury report:

  • Rockets: Jae’Sean Tate out (right ankle soreness), Bruno Fernando out (left knee soreness), Jalen Green questionable (right shoulder soreness)
  • Mavericks: TBD; Tuesday’s injury report for night one of the back-to-back listed Davis Bertans as out (right knee effusion)

Expected Lineups

Advice and prediction

If there’s any silver lining for Sengun, Jalen Green, and the rest of the Rockets, it could be that Dallas is on night two of a back-to-back after facing the Clippers on Tuesday. The Rockets, on the other hand, haven’t played since losing to Los Angeles on Monday.

On the other hand, the Rockets are struggling mightily, and Wood will undoubtedly be looking to make a statement against the team that traded him away five months ago. It’s hard to have confidence in the Rockets, given their recent form on both ends of the court.

Prediction: Mavericks 117, Rockets 105

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.

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Clippers at Rockets (Nov. 14): Prediction, point spread, odds, best bet

The Rockets (+5.5) are home underdogs versus the Clippers, but they kept things quite competitive in the earlier two meetings. Jalen Green’s recent surge could offer Houston hope.

After a rough start to the 2022-23 schedule with 10 road games in their first 13, including two road trips of at least four games in length, the young Houston Rockets (2-11) finally have an extended stretch at home for five of their next six games. It all starts with Monday’s matchup at Toyota Center versus the Los Angeles Clippers (7-6).

If you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research for the Rockets-Clippers game, you’re in luck! We’ll give you the latest point spread, money line odds and over/under number, as well as the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet at BetMGM.

The game starts at 7:00 p.m. Central and can be seen via AT&T SportsNet Southwest (in Houston markets) or on NBA League Pass.

The Clippers and Rockets have already played twice this season, with Los Angeles winning both. However, each game was decided by single digits, including a two-point thriller in Los Angeles that wasn’t decided until Paul George’s game-winning shot in the final seconds.

The statistical standout for the Rockets in those two prior meetings with the Clippers was big man Alperen Sengun, who averaged 20.0 points (57.1% FG), 11.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 31.6 minutes.

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The lines, courtesy of BetMGM

  • Point spread: Clippers -5.5
  • Money line: Clippers -225 / Rockets +180
  • Over-under: 220.5

Click here to place your bets at BetMGM.

Clippers at Rockets injury report:

  • Rockets: Jae’Sean Tate out (right ankle soreness), Bruno Fernando out (left knee soreness), Jalen Green questionable (right shoulder soreness)
  • Clippers: Kawhi Leonard out, (right knee injury management), John Wall out (left knee injury management)

Expected Lineups

Advice and prediction

The Clippers will need to be careful with minutes management, since they’re on night one of a back-to-back with another game looming Tuesday in Dallas. It’s also worth noting that Houston kept it close versus Los Angeles in two earlier meetings despite sluggish numbers by Jalen Green (17.5 points, 38.2% FG, 30.8% on 3-pointers). This time, Green enters with much more momentum following Saturday’s 33-point outburst on strong efficiency in New Orleans.

With that in mind, we’ll take Houston to cover as long as Green (questionable) plays, which should be known once head coach Stephen Silas conducts his pregame media session at 5:15 p.m. Central. Green hasn’t yet missed any games due to the shoulder soreness.

The under (220.5) could also be a good play, since neither of the previous two meetings even exceeded 210 combined points.

Prediction: Clippers 109, Rockets 105

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.

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Rockets at Pelicans (Nov. 12): Prediction, point spread, odds, best bet

The #Rockets (+10.5) have covered the spread in their last two games, and the over (230.5) has hit in each of their last three games. Will those trends continue in New Orleans?

After a brutal start to the 2022-23 schedule with 10 road games in their first 13 overall, including a pair of road trips of at least four games in length, the young Houston Rockets (2-10) finally reach the end of the line with Saturday night’s visit to New Orleans (6-6).

If you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research for the Rockets-Pelicans game, you’re in luck! We’ll give you the latest point spread, money line odds and over/under number, as well as the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet at BetMGM.

The game starts at 7:30 p.m. Central and can be seen via AT&T SportsNet Southwest (in Houston markets) or on NBA League Pass.

After Saturday, the Rockets play at home within the friendly confines of Toyota Center for five of their next six games. Ideally, they would like to arrive there without having the NBA’s worst record.

To accomplish that with an upset win on Saturday, the Rockets will likely need another strong outing by second-year shooting guard Jalen Green — who played a key role in Monday’s win at Orlando and has become much more efficient over the past 10 days.

On the other side, the Pelicans will be led by a rising star in fourth-year forward Zion Williamson, who has shaken off a lost season due to injury to lead New Orleans in scoring at 23.3 points per game on 54.8% shooting and 50.0% on 3-pointers.

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The lines, courtesy of BetMGM

  • Point spread: Pelicans -10.5
  • Money line: Pelicans -500 / Rockets +375
  • Over-under: 232.5

Click here to place your bets at BetMGM.

Rockets at Pelicans injury report:

  • Rockets: Jae’Sean Tate out (right ankle soreness), Bruno Fernando out (left knee soreness)
  • Pelicans: Kira Lewis Jr. out, (right knee ACL injury recovery), E.J. Liddell out (right knee ACL injury recovery)

Advice and prediction

The Rockets have hit the over in their last three games overall, and they’e covered the spread in two of them. We’ll take that trend to continue for one more game as the road trip finally concludes.

Prediction: Pelicans 122, Rockets 113

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.

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Rockets at Magic (Nov. 7): Prediction, point spread, odds, best bet

The Rockets own the NBA’s worst record at the moment, but they’re only slight road underdogs (+4.5) versus an Orlando team that is one game ahead in the standings.

At 1-9, the Houston Rockets currently own the NBA’s worst record. But they could have an opportunity to change that with Monday’s visit to another young and rebuilding club in Orlando, where the Magic (2-8) are only a game ahead in the early 2022-23 standings.

If you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research for the Rockets-Magic matchup, you’re in luck! We’ll give you the latest point spread, money line odds and over/under number, as well as the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet at BetMGM.

The game starts at 6:15 p.m. Central and can be seen via AT&T SportsNet Southwest (in Houston markets) or on NBA League Pass.

Despite the lowly records, it should be an entertaining matchup, since both teams are loaded with top prospects from high in the first round of both the 2021 and 2022 NBA draft classes.

Orlando features the likes of Jalen Suggs in the backcourt and Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner in the frontcourt, while Houston counters with Jalen Green at guard and prospects such as Alperen Sengun and rookies Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason on the front line. For those types of players, it’s a showcase game versus many of their young peers, with all looking for a career breakthrough.

Smith missed Houston’s previous game — a loss in Minnesota on Saturday — while ill, but he is listed as probable to return for Monday’s matchup versus another top rookie (Banchero) in Orlando.

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The lines, courtesy of BetMGM

  • Point spread: Magic -4.5
  • Money line: Magic -190 / Rockets +155
  • Over-under: 224.5

Click here to place your bets at BetMGM.

Rockets at Magic injury report:

  • Rockets: Jae’Sean Tate out (right ankle soreness), Bruno Fernando out (left knee soreness), TyTy Washington questionable (left knee sprain), Jabari Smith Jr. probable (illness), Jalen Green probable (left knee contusion)
  • Magic: Cole Anthony out (right internal oblique tear), Markelle Fultz out (left big toe fracture), Moritz Wagner out (right midfoot sprain), Gary Harris out (left knee injury recovery), Jonathan Isaac out (left knee injury recovery)

Advice and prediction

These two teams feel similar in makeup, but Orlando’s top rookie — Banchero, taken at No. 1 overall in the 2022 first round — has clearly outplayed Smith, who was taken two picks later. Banchero is averaging 22.9 points (45.8% FG), 8.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, while Smith has started the season with more pedestrian averages of 10.8 points (30.5% FG, 30.4% on 3-pointers) and 6.1 rebounds.

Even if Smith is able to play, which isn’t certain with his recent illness, Banchero looks to be more NBA ready as a rookie — and it shouldn’t come as a surprise if he uses Monday to make a statement.

Prediction: Magic 116, Rockets 110

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.

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Rockets at Timberwolves (Nov. 5): Prediction, point spread, odds, best bet

The Rockets (+8.5) are understandably big underdogs in Minnesota, but they may benefit from having two days of rest while the Timberwolves are on night two of a back-to-back.

At home, the Minnesota Timberwolves (4-5) should be a better team than the young and rebuilding Houston Rockets (1-8), who enter Saturday’s matchup at Target Center on a five-game losing streak. However, there are some possible extenuating circumstances.

If you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research for the Rockets-Timberwolves tussle, you’re in luck! We’ll give you the latest point spread, money line odds and over/under number, as well as the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet at BetMGM.

The game starts at 7 p.m. Central and can be seen via AT&T SportsNet Southwest (in Houston markets) or on NBA League Pass.

The case for optimism with the Rockets is that they haven’t played since Wednesday, whereas the Timberwolves are on night two of a back-to-back after playing a hard-fought game Friday versus the Bucks — likely the NBA’s 2022-23 title favorite at the moment.

The case for pessimism is that Houston’s best player this season has been second-year center Alperen Sengun, and he will have a brutal matchup against three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert. Will the likes of Kevin Porter Jr. or Jalen Green be able to pick up the scoring slack, should Sengun be held in check? It’s a lot to ask against a Minnesota squad that has plenty of offense, headlined by the likes of Anthony Edwards and Karl Anthony-Towns.

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The lines, courtesy of BetMGM

  • Point spread: Timberwolves -8.5
  • Money line: Timberwolves -375 / Rockets +300
  • Over-under: 231.5

Click here to place your bets at BetMGM.

Rockets at Timberwolves injury report:

  • Rockets: Jae’Sean Tate out (right ankle soreness), TyTy Washington out (left knee sprain), Bruno Fernando out (left knee soreness), Jabari Smith Jr. out (illness)
  • Timberwolves: To be released Saturday afternoon

Advice and prediction

Even with a rest advantage, the Timberwolves at home are a rough matchup for the Rockets, since Minnesota has the type of paint presence with Gobert that could hold down Houston’s best player to date in Sengun. If that happens, it’s unclear whether the Rockets have sufficient help, elsewhere, to create enough offense to stay close.

Prediction: Timberwolves 118, Rockets 108

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.

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