Rockets Intent on Softening T-Wolves Bite Up North
Poised to do damage and move up in the ruthless Western Conference standings, the Rockets finally have a healthy team rounding into shape, and a roster that’s looking complete in terms of player availability. Brandon Knight, who was acquired (along with Marquess Chriss) in the Ryan Anderson deal with Phoenix this past offseason, has been called up from the G-League and marks another step toward the guard finally adding depth to Houston’s backcourt. Brandon Knight has the potential to be a very solid backup to Chris Paul at point guard if he can stay healthy, as he hasn’t played in an NBA game since 2015. Minnesota has been a much better ball club since getting rid of their resentful star Jimmy Butler (sent to Philadelphia in a trade last month), resulting in a 7-3 record in their last 10 games. The addition of RoCo (Robert Covington, who would fit perfectly on the Rockets) into the Wolves lineup has given them a perimeter veteran presence that aids rather than hampers (like Jimmy Butler did) the confidence in their young stars. This is the first matchup between the Western foes this season, and Houston needs to be ready to face a T-Wolves team where chemistry is no longer an issue. A rejuvenated Derrick Rose is having something of a comeback season, and Karl-Anthony Towns will pose another challenge in the post for Clint Capela to overcome. Towns is Minnesota’s best player and the young star has thrived since Butler’s departure. Tonight, Capela has another fantastic opportunity to put the league on notice that he is a force to be reckoned with by outplaying Towns. Houston’s big man has turned into a double-double machine, is having the best season of his career by far, and looks to build on his tremendous season tonight in Minnesota. The Rockets aim for 3 in a row and hope to calm the Wolves’ opportunistic view on their own season. This contest will be a lot tougher than the last two the Rockets have faced, but Houston seems to be in a groove, and the Wolves shouldn’t be able to have enough bite to stop any punches the Rockets throw Minnesota’s way.
Target Center – Minneapolis, Minnesota
7 PM CT – ATT Sportsnet