Game thread: Timberwolves vs. Rockets

Minnesota Timberwolves (36-25) vs. Houston Rockets (44-13), Feb. 23, 2018, 7:00 p.m. CDT

Location: Toyota Center, Houston, TX

TV: ESPN, AT&T Sports Southwest

Radio: KBME 790 AM/KEYH 850 AM (Spanish)/KNTE 101.7 FM (Spanish)/Streaming on Rockets App

Online: Rockets App

Wolves SBNation Blog: Canis Hoopus

Going into the break, the Rockets were red hot. The leaders of the Western Conference won ten straight before the All-Star break came rolling in. It’s been nine days since the Rockets played a game and ten days since the Rockets beat the Timberwolves in their backyard.

Now, the Wolves, tied for third in the West, are looking for a chance to get back at the Rockets.

The Wolves and Rockets traded double-digit leads and had a solid game going into the fourth quarter before the Rockets pulled away with a victory late in the fourth quarter.

For the Wolves, it is their first game in over a week as well. The team had a great run in the first half and is looking to make the playoffs for the first time since 2004, ending the longest playoff drought in the NBA.

Minnesota has looked like a playoff contender all season long, but 4.5 games separate third place from tenth, so it is going to be a wild finish for the rest of the West. Every game counts and for the Wolves, that begins tonight.

The Rockets are also playing for something, as they continue to try and chase the NBA’s best record. With the Warriors winning last night, they pulled even with the Rockets and tonight is the opportunity for the Rockets to pull back ahead.

For the first time all season, the team will have its 100% healthy roster with its new additions and all the old ones healthy. Trevor Ariza is looking to return tonight and play for the first time in about a month.

Should be a fun game with the national TV spotlight on the two teams with important implications on the game.

Before the game, check out AK’s preview and join us on Facebook Live for a special halftime report!

Go Rockets!