Rockets Aim to Clinch Group in Tilt with Timberwolves
Game Three. Clinch Time. Darlings Hangover.
After two days off, the Rockets travel to Minnesota to face the Timberwolves in Houston’s third NBA Cup Game. The Rockets can clinch their Group with a win tonight over the Wolves. After making it all the way to the Western Conference Finals, last year’s “darlings” of the NBA are suffering a bit of a hangover to start this season. Minnesota is currently 8-8 in the standings, which has them in the 11th spot, compared to Houston, who still sit at third place in the West.
The Wolves still have plenty of All-Star talent on their roster, including newcomer Julius Randle, who they acquired by trading Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks in the offseason. Anthony Edwards is still one of the best young superstars in the league. Rudy Gobert remains a Stifle Tower in the paint, and is having another Defensive Player of the Year caliber season. And rookie guard Rob Dillingham scored 14 points in only 16 minutes off the bench in their last game, a tough two-point loss to the defending champion Celtics in Boston. Basically, this Wolves team is much better than their 8-8 record implies. If the Rockets aren’t ready from the start, they could be in trouble tonight.
Besides a chance to clinch a spot in the NBA Cup’s knockout round, Houston wants to avenge their previous loss. The Rockets fell to the Portland Trail Blazers at home. Houston played sluggish in a game they could have won had they prepared themselves mentally. Expect the Rockets to come out better tonight. They’re still struggling to shoot the ball. Last game ended Houston’s league-high streak of games scoring at least 100 or more points. The Rockets mustered only 98 points in their previous matchup. Luckily, defensive intensity has been one of Houston’s best attributes this season. Their defense is the reason the Rockets boast a 12-6 record to start the season. And that D will be tested tonight against a very talented, and hungry Timberwolves squad.
If Houston wins tonight they clinch a spot in the NBA Cup’s knockout round. And if the Wolves lose, they’re eliminated. A Minnesota win would keep them alive for a chance to advance. A lot is on the line tonight, as the Rockets aim to clinch their group, and eliminate the Wolves from any potential Vegas festivities. Expect a close contest that will likely be decided in crunch time, with a playoff-like atmosphere surrounding the proceedings.
Target Center: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (12-6): White
Minnesota Timberwolves (8-8): Black
Tip-Off: 7:00 PM CT
TV: Space City Home Network, NBA League Pass