After what feels like a very long offseason, the NBA has finally returned! Starting off with some great games, this season is bound to be full of action and great competition. The Houston Rockets will hit the road to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves. This Western Conference battle is going to be a good one. It's time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Rockets – Timberwolves prediction and pick.
Neither of these teams lived up to their potential last season. The Rockets lost an abysmal 55 games, claiming the last spot in the Western Conference. Houston had the worst record in the NBA and earned the second overall pick in the draft. Anything will be better than their performance last season. Minnesota also disappointed last season, losing 49 games and finishing 13th in the Western Conference. Both of these teams are better than last year's records indicate and will look to prove it on opening night.
Here's how the bookmakers have set the line for Wednesday night's matchup.
NBA Odds: Rockets-Timberwolves Odds
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Rockets: +6 (-112)
Timberwolves: -6 (-108)
Over: 229.5 (-110)
Under: 229.5 (-110)
Why The Rockets Could Cover The Spread
The Rockets have nowhere to go but up this season. Houston was seriously impacted by injuries last season. They actually started off pretty strong, winning 10 of their first 20 games. But the eventual shutdown of John Wall, constant injuries of Christian Wood, and inconsistent play of others led to a Rockets tank. This team has potential, despite the fact that John Wall won't be playing for them, other team members should be able to step up.
One of the best things to come of last season for Houston was the emergence of Christian Wood as a top NBA center. Wood only managed to play 42 games last season, but when he played he impacted games. Finally getting the opportunity to showcase his talents, Wood averaged career highs across the board. He was a walking double-double and a top talent in the league. The Rockets center enters this game fully healthy and should immediately impact the game. If Wood can stay healthy for the entire season, then Houston fans have a lot to look forward to.
The main benefit of such a poor season was that Houston was able to claim the second overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. With that pick, they took Jalen Green. Green will not even be 20-years-old when he plays in his first NBA game and all eyes will be on the young talent. He will get the opportunity to shine and prove that he belongs among the best of the best. This could go a number of ways, but if Green showcases the talent that Houston sees in him, then things should work out for the Rockets. Houston will definitely be competitive in this game.
Why The Timberwolves Could Cover The Spread
The Timberwolves are a talented team that consistently underperforms. This season they will look to finally live up to their potential, and take the next steps toward becoming playoff contenders. Injuries were a big factor at play in last season's short-comings. But now fully healthy, Minnesota will look to claim a season-opening victory.
Two of the best players on the Timberwolves were injured last season. D'Angelo Russell played only 42 games. Karl Anthony Towns played only 50 games. This talented roster was unable to shine because their best players missed significant time. While D-Lo was having a solid season, KAT was dominating games. KAT is a focal point of this offense and without him on the floor the team just doesn't run as smoothly. Both of these guys are healthy and ready to return to action. They will impact this game right from the start and will help Minnesota start this season off on the right foot.
The silver lining of last season's injuries is that it gave rookie Anthony Edwards a chance to shine. Edwards had a shaky start to the season, but really came into his own. He became a crucial part of the team and showed why he was worth the first overall pick. He averaged over 19 points and nearly 5 rebounds per game. Now he will be able to settle into his role in Minnesota's big three. D-Lo, KAT, and Edwards are a great trio that will be able to dominate this matchup.
Final Rockets-Timberwolves Prediction & Pick
Both of these teams had horrible seasons last year. Injuries played a role but had a more serious impact on Minnesota. The Timberwolves enter this season mostly healthy, while the Rockets are more questionable. Minnesota should be able to claim a victory at home on Wednesday night and they should be your pick to win and cover. This game could be somewhat competitive. Christian Wood vs KAT will be a great match-up to watch, and no one knows how Jalen Green will perform, but the Timberwolves are the correct choice.
FINAL PICK: Minnesota Timberwolves -6 (-108)
FINAL SCORE PREDICTION: Timberwolves 114 – Rockets 105
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