The Houston Rockets return home up 3-1 in their series vs the Minnesota Timberwolves and will try to move on to the second round tonight in Game 5. The Rockets took a commanding lead in the series when they exploded for 50 points in the third quarter in Game 4 and now are 9-1 SU in the last 10 games in this matchup. Houston opened as a 12-point favorite to end the T-wolves’ playoff run.
- The Timberwolves are 2-6 ATS in their last eight games vs the Rockets.
- The total has gone OVER in 12 of the Timberwolves’ last 14 games with one day off between games.
- The Rockets are 12-0 SU in their last 12 games at home after consecutive road games.
The Rockets finally snapped out of their offensive malaise in Game 4 and James Harden was electric, notching 36 points, including 22 in the third quarter. Houston took 43 three-pointers in Game 4 and nailed 16 of them (37 percent) which puts almost any team in the NBA in a helpless position. It may have been the game to finally wake up the league’s leading offense because coming into Game 4, the Rockets looked pedestrian shooting the rock by only averaging 103.7 points in the first three games of the series.
However, the one factor that will make it hard to endorse a Houston spread bet is how the Rockets perform as large favorites. In their last 10 games when favored by 12 points or more, they are 2-8 against the spread.
As for Minnesota, the Timberwolves will need to have a tremendous defensive effort by their young core if they plan to escape with a victory and extend the series. Karl-Anthony Towns has been a non-factor thus far in the playoffs, averaging only 13.3 points per game, and has only hit two three-pointers in four games. Bettors should avoid the huge payday on the moneyline and stick to the spread as the T-wolves are 0-9 SU in their last nine games as double-digit dogs but are 6-3 ATS in those games.
The total opened at 216.5 and trends are pointing to an OVER. The OVER has hit in 16 of the last 21 games in this matchup with an average combined score of 224.94 points per game.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Sportsbooks such as Sportsbook had the Houston Rockets installed as 11.5-point favorites in this particular NBA matchup. The OVER/UNDER betting line for the total number of points scored was listed by most sportsbooks, including Sportsbook, at 219.
OddsShark computer prediction formulas pick a 113-98 win for the Rockets on Wednesday. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NBA matchups here.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Houston Rockets Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
Supporters of the Minnesota Timberwolves have seen them go 48-38 and 39-44-3 ATS so far this NBA season, while the Houston Rockets are at 68-18 and 43-41-2 ATS. In OVER/UNDER totals betting, the Rockets are 35-50-1, while the Timberwolves are 47-38-1. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Houston vs Minnesota injuries news.
The betting Power Rankings at OddsShark have the No. 16-rated Timberwolves taking on the No. 3-rated Rockets in this NBA contest.
Statistical Matchup
The game also pits Houston's No. 2-ranked offense averaging 112.13 PPG, against a Minnesota defense that ranks No. 18 at 107.29 PPG. The Rockets' field-goal percentage has averaged 45.83% so far, less than the Timberwolves shooters have achieved on the year, 47.53% per game.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
- Minnesota is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games
- Minnesota is 7-17 ATS in its last 24 games on the road
- Minnesota is 6-18 SU in its last 24 games on the road
- The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games on the road
- Houston is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games
- Houston is 17-4 SU in its last 21 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Houston's last 8 games
- Houston is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Next Betting Matchups
Minnesota home to Houston, Friday, April 27
