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The Houston Rockets battle the Minnesota Timberwolves Thursday at the 2024 NBA Las Vegas Summer League. Tip from Thomas & Mack Center is set for 11 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Timberwolves vs. Rockets odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
The Rockets, despite having high picks in the last few drafts, haven’t turned that into on-court success and struggled last season. With the 3rd overall pick, they drafted Kentucky standout G Reed Sheppard. The 1st collegiate player taken in the draft has dazzled so far in his 3 games, shooting 49% from the field and averaging 20 points per game.
As one of the best teams in the Western Conference the Timberwolves didn’t have a high draft pick, but are in the spotlight here as they traded for the No. 8 overall pick, G Rob Dillingham, who is also from Kentucky. Dillingham is averaging 28.8 minutes per game, but is shooting just 27.8% from the field, so he hasn’t quite found his groove. Minnesota also has former Illinois G Terrence Shannon Jr., who was among the top college scorers last season.
Timberwolves at Rockets odds
Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:05 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Timberwolves -128 (bet $128 to win $100) | Rockets +104 (bet $100 to win $104)
- Against the spread (ATS): Timberwolves -1.5 (-110) | Rockets +1.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 179.5 (O: -113 | U: -113)
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Timberwolves at Rockets picks and predictions
Prediction
Timberwolves 91, Rockets 90
Moneyline
PASS.
A bettor might think that the moneyline value is better here, but in the last day, 2 summer league games have ended within 1 point. There have been 3 games within 1 point in the event and several within 2 points.
Play the spread instead.
Against the spread
BET ROCKETS +1.5 (-110).
The Rockets have a solid team that has 2 double-digit wins. They are coming off a loss to Detroit in which 2 Pistons combined to shoot 10-of-19 from deep with Rockets F Cam Whitmore shooting 1-of-15. That combination is unlikely to be repeated.
Minnesota had a 7-point and 11-point victory and then a 2-point loss, which was its last game. It shot just 19.2% from deep and has struggled beyond the 3-point line all tournament, shooting the second-worst from deep at just 23%.
Expect Houston to keep this close as it is averaging 93.7 points per game. Back ROCKETS +1.5 (-110).
Over/Under
BET OVER 179.5 (-113).
Both teams have flat-out scorers. From Whitmore and Sheppard to Dillingham and Shannon Jr., the weapons are there for each side to get to the bucket.
The Timberwolves are averaging 92 PPG. Both squads sit among the top half of teams in points per game despite both shooting sub-45 % from deep.
That means they push the pace, and when the shots fall, the scoring should be amplified. Considering that style of play, back points here and take OVER 179.5 (-113).
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