Road-Trippin’: Rockets Head North for Slugfest with Timberwolves
One for the Road. New Twin Towers. The Ten Cap.
After finally returning to Houston on Wednesday night, which resulted in a 109-101 loss to the Clippers, the Rockets head back out on the road again for another four-game road trip. First, Houston visits Minneapolis to take on the young, talented Timberwolves. Minnesota is off to a slower start than anticipated due to all the young talent on their roster. Anthony Edwards is evolving into a true superstar with each passing game. De’Angelo Russell is still an All-Star Caliber player at point guard, although the Wolves are trying to pile the blame on their playmaker for Minnesota’s slow start. Karl-Anthony Towns is still a dominant force inside, and if the Wolves want to make the next step, he’s going to have to live up to his potential when he was selected first overall, back in the 2015 NBA Draft. The Rockets have their hands full tonight, and we’re not even addressing the biggest issue.
Minnesota made a big move in the offseason, especially for a Houston frontline that will be undermanned. The Wolves acquired shot-blocking sensation Rudy Gobert from the Utah Jazz. Gobert is arguably the league’s best shot-blocker and rim protector. And with all the division battles between his time in Utah and Houston, Gobert has been a thorn in Houston’s side since he’s been in the league. Hopefully Alperen Sengun can repeat his spectacular performance from Wednesday, when he scored 26 points and grabbed 13 boards. Houston will need all the help they can get against a more talented and experience Minnesota squad.
Tonight marks the tenth game of the season for the Rockets. It’s still early in the season, as we are now nearing the halfway mark of the first quarter. Soon, it won’t be so early in the season anymore. Houston will need to show improvement in their next ten games, and they should, as the schedule is far easier than what they’ve battled though to start this year’s campaign. But before those next ten games start, maybe, just maybe… the Rockets can finally steal their first road victory of the season.
Target Center: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (1-8): White
Minnesota Timberwolves (4-5): Black
Tip-Off: 7:00 PM CT
TV: AT&T Sportsnet SW, NBA League Pass