Rockets vs. Timberwolves Pre-Game 1/21/23

Rockets Visit Timberwolves in First of Home-and-Home

Part 1.    Missing Juniors.    Utilizing Sengun.

Today is Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon’s birthday, the greatest player in Houston Rockets franchise history. The legendary center turns 60 today, and Houston would love to get a victory on his milestone birthday. The Rockets head to Minnesota for the first of two games against the Wolves, the second being on Monday night back in Houston. Minnesota has been playing well lately. they’re coming off a comeback win last night over the Raptors, and they’ve won 7 of their last 10 games overall. The Rockets, meanwhile, are still mired in their worst losing streak of the season, which has now reach 12 games. Houston is desperate for a win. Jalen Green is coming off his best performance of the season. Green tied his career-high with 41 points on an efficient shooting night from the floor. He’ll look to replicate that performance in a win tonight for the Rockets in Minnesota.

Houston will be without Jabari Smith Jr. for Saturday night’s contest, and Kevin Porter Jr. is still out with a knee injury. The Rockets will need guys like Tari Eason, who’s expected to make his first career start, KJ Martin, and others to step up and have big games. Lucky for the Rockets, Minnesota isn’t at full strength either. The Wolve have been without Karl-Anthony Towns for roughly a month, and now they’ll be without their other twin tower, Rudy Gobert, for tonight’s matchup.

Expect Alperen Sengun to have a big game tonight minus MInny’s Twin Towers. Sengun will have to contend with the likes of Naz Reid, Jaden MacDaniels, and Kyle Anderson in place of Gobert and Towns. Sengun has been on a roll in the month of January. Don’t expect him to slow his roll tonight, hopefully the Rockets can finally utilize his talents en route to a victory. It’s Hakeem’s birthday night… a perfect time to for Sengun and to channel his “inner-Dream”, and potentially finally end this losing streak.

 

Target Center:  Minneapolis, Minnesota

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (10-35):  White

Minnesota Timberwolves (23-24):  Black

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass