The Minnesota Timberwolves (27-14) and Houston Rockets (23-15) will face off in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 9:30 p.m. ET from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. The game will broadcast live on ESPN.
The Rockets are 4.5-point favorites over the Timberwolves on the spread (Rockets -4.5), with the over/under set at 222.5 total points. Houston is a -170 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while Minnesota is +142 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Timberwolves vs. Rockets predictions and NBA picks for Friday, January 16.
Timberwolves vs Rockets Prediction
- Timberwolves vs Rockets pick: Timberwolves +4.5 (-115)
My Rockets vs Timberwolves best bet is on Minnesota to cover the spread, with the best price currently available at DraftKings. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Timberwolves vs Rockets Odds
| Timberwolves Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+4.5 -115 | 222.5 -110o / -110u | +142 |
| Rockets Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-4.5 -105 | 222.5 -110o / -110u | -170 |
Timberwolves vs Rockets NBA Preview
I'm going with the Timberwolves +4.5 versus the Rockets.
Look, I know. I can hear the people in the back. No Anthony Edwards (foot injury) for Minnesota tonight, I understand.
However, I think more than a full possession is just too much difference in this spot for the older Houston squad.
The Rockets are 0-3 ATS this year on back-to-backs.
Minnesota is coming off two full days of rest, and they get Rudy Gobert back coming off the suspension. It's really no more than that.
So, I'm happy to take the points with Julius Randle, Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid, Mike Conley, Rudy Gobert, Donte DiVincenzo and Bones Hyland — and by the way, don't let Hyland stay hot.
Timberwolves vs Rockets Betting Predictions, Analysis
This pick comes down to Houston being on a back-to-back and Minnesota having two full days of rest, plus they'll have more offense than the Rockets. So, I like the spot given the rest and the firepower angle.
Also, you never know in a back-to-back game who will jump up on Houston's injury report at the last minute.
Give me the possession plus a hook. I'll back the Timberwolves as road underdogs on Friday night.
Pick: Timberwolves +4.5 (-115, DraftKings)
