Rockets Hunting a Win Before Break, Face Wolves Up North
Road Warriors. Tough KAT. Intermission.
As we approach the All-Star break, the Rockets are one of many teams looking to rest up and get healthy for the stretch run. First, Houston travels to Minneapolis to face the Wolves in their final game before the brief hiatus. Minnesota has been struggling of late, even though their still within reach of a playoff spot. The Wolves have lost 4 of their last 5 games overall. The Rockets are seeking their 4th consecutive road win, as the squad looks to head into the break on a positive note. Houston bounced back nicely in their previous game, and the squad hopes to carry the momentum north to fight off the Wolves. A victory would also give the Rockets 8 wins in their last 11 games, building steady momentum as the final stretch arrives on the schedule.
Despite their record, Minnesota still poses many problems for a Houston team still missing Clint Capela. Karl-Anthony Towns is one of the best big men in the NBA, and his game is improving as the season moves along. The departure of his disgruntled former teammate, Jimmy Butler, has led to an uptick in Towns’ performance and efficiency for the Wolves in the paint. Andrew Wiggins has also improved slightly since Butler’s departure, and is the 2nd option on offense for Minnesota behind Towns. The Rockets will lean on Kenneth Faried’s presence in the paint, and hope James Harden can shoulder another prime outing before the team separates for the All-Star interval. Houston will need contributions from the entire squad, KAT’s a tough man to handle in the paint, and the undersized Rockets have a challenge ahead of them.
Tonight’s game is pivotal in the standings. A win could potentially move the Rockets up to the 4th seed. The Blazers host the red-hot Warriors tonight, and if Portland loses, they’ll fall back to the 5th seed with a Houston victory. As the squad gets ready for intermission, it’s important they not look too far ahead. This game is another opportune step in the right direction if the Rockets take care of business. In a season that’s been like a game of Russian roulette, you never know what to expect. Houston should be able to grind out another road win before everyone disperses for the break. Games before the All-Star break are even more comparable to pick ’ems. It should be a tough, close battle tonight up North. Hopefully, the Rockets can prove they’re worthy of victory, and can move up a notch in the standings.
Target Center: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (33-23): White
Minnesota Timberwolves (26-30): Purple
TV: 7 PM CT – ESPN, ATT Sportsnet SW