Houston Rockets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves game preview

I missed basketball.

The Rockets probably needed the All-Star break just like every team, but being on a 10-game winning streak meant that Houston was playing well heading into the break. Still, the good guys have to act as if they are starting a new streak today.

That starts tonight at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Houston has dealt with the upstart Timberwolves twice this season, and they will still have to head to Minnesota one more time on March 18.

In the most recent meeting, the game was close until the fourth quarter, when the Rockets woke up from deep and drained ten triples. Ryan Anderson in particular had himself a night, going 6-10 from deep in a departure from the timid Ryno from the preceding weeks. The Rockets take real advantage of the three-point differential against every team, but the disparity isn’t as clear as it is against the Wolves.

Minnesota only trails the Knicks in terms of fewest threes attempted per game. If that continues tonight, the Rockets should take care of business behind James Harden and Chris Paul. I expect Karl-Anthony Towns to have a huge game like he always does against Houston, but as long as he’s the only one who goes off then the Rockets should feel good about their chances. Look for Andrew Wiggins to bounce back after his clunker the last time these teams met.

On a player personnel note, the Rockets should be able to play both Joe Johnson and Brandan Wright tonight if needed. Johnson played against Sacramento but hadn’t gotten much time with the team. Wright still has yet to play in a Rockets jersey.

Tip-off is at 7pm CT on ESPN