Rockets Look to Bounce Back, Welcome Wolves to Town
Midway Point. Back to the Basics. Hungry Like the Wolves.
Houston hosts the Minnesota Timberwolves in what will be the 41st game of the season, exactly the halfway point of the journey for the Rockets. So far, Houston has certainly had its share of ups and downs, as as has any team in the NBA. However, at the midway mark, it’s clear the Rockets have plenty to work on as they continue to progress through the current rebuilding state of the franchise. Houston is in last place in the Western Conference, and has the third-worst record in the league behind Detroit and Orlando. Which basically means the Rockets have a legitimate chance in this summer’s draft to potentially land another top pick.
After their embarrassing loss on Friday, Houston simply needs to play harder. The Rockets played with no effort against Dallas, who kicked them back to reality after they were in a haze from KPJ’s awe-inspiring game-winner in Washington D.C.The Timberwolves are riding a three-game winning streak as they stroll into H-Town. The Wolves have their own “Big Three,” consisting of Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards, and DeAngelo Russell. The trio combined for 70 points in Minnesota’s previous game. Houston will have their hands full trying to contain these All-Star caliber players tonight.
Houston will have to be hungry like this improved Wolves squad, who currently sit in 8th place, good for a playoff spot in the West. Minnesota has been much better than people expected. Towns is one of the best Centers in the league, but it’s been Anthony Edwards, in the midst of a breakout-season, who’s been garnering the most attention in Minnesota. Edwards is one of the most explosive players in the league, and the Rockets need to eliminate his transition opportunities, where he flourishes as one of the league’s best finishers. After getting kicked in the mouth by Dallas on Friday, Houston has nowhere to go but up, and if they play hard… possibly seal the first half of the season on a positive note.
Toyota Center: Houston, Texas
Jersey Colors:
Minnesota Timberwolves (20-18): Blue “City Edition”
Houston Rockets (11-29): Red
Tip-Off: 6 PM CT
TV: AT&T Sportsnet SW, NBA League Pass