NBA Picks: Minnesota Timberwolves at Houston Rockets
Written by Steve Janus - Google +
The Houston Rockets will try and beat the Minnesota Timberwolves for the 14th straight time when the two teams face off Tuesday night in Houston. The Rockets have already beat the Timberwovles twice this season, including a 120-94 win at home back on Nov. 7.
Taking a look at the NBA spreads for tonight’s games, oddsmakers have the Rockets favored by 8.5-points with the total set at 217.
Minnesota comes in off a rare road win, as they beat the Hornets 104-92 at New Orleans last night. It was just the third road win for the Timberwolves this season, and only their second win in their last 11 games.
Houston was also in action last night, beating the Nuggets 108-103 in Denver, despite 50 points from Carmelo Anthony. The Rockets have won three straight, as they continue to fight for a playoff spot.
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While Minnesota put together a great performance last night, it might of came at a pretty steep price, as Michael Beasley and Darko Milicic both got injured. Beasley injured his left leg, while Milicic strained his left hip flexor. Beasley is listed as doubtful for tonight’s game, while Milicic is questionable. Minnesota was already without Luke Ridnour and Martell Webster, and its uncertain if either will be ready to go tonight.
Kevin Love led the way with 27 points and 17 rebounds, but is going to need a lot of help for Minnesota to win back-to-back games on the road, as Houston will be able to put a lot of focus on stopping Love.
That help will likely have to come from a group of reserves who scored 45 points against the Hornets. Anthony Tolliver and Nikola Pekovic each finished with 12 points off the bench, while Wayne Ellington chipped in 11.
Even at full strength the Timberwolves figured to be in trouble against the Rockets, as they just haven’t played well at all in Houston. Minnesota has lost each of their last eight games at Houston and are averaging just 88.3 points during that stretch.
The Rockets got another great performance from Kevin Martin in their win last night. Martin had a team-high 37 points to go along with seven assists, and is averaging 30 over his last four games.
Houston also got 25 points from Luis Scola,as five differnt Rockets scored in double-figures. Martin and Scola have combined to average 49.5 points in their two games against the Timberwolves this season.
With all the injuries the Timberwolves are facing right now, and the lack of success they have had against the Rockets, I don’t think their is any doubt you have to lay the 8.5-points on Houston in this one. Houston has beat Minnesota by at least 11 points in four of the last five games played at home.
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