Houston Rockets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves game preview

Smarting from a terrible loss on Russell Westbrook’s homecoming, the Houston Rockets return to take on a Minnesota Timberwolves squad that is thick in the hunt for the 8 seed in the Western Conference. Of course, every team outside of the Warriors is gunning for that spot, which could make for either a really fun trade deadline or a really fun end to the regular season.

The Timberwolves have won three of their last four, each by double digits. None of those games came against playoff teams, but the mark of a good team is one that takes care of inferior opponents. The Rockets have struggled to do that this year, as fans of the team have seen the good guys play down to their opposition all too often.

Karl-Anthony Towns hasn’t played since December 13 with a knee injury, but he is questionable for today’s game. He was having another good season before the injury. Andrew Wiggins started the season really well, but has since regressed back to the mean of his career numbers. Jarrett Culver was the #6 overall pick in the draft and has been a disappointment so far, but has shown flashes that he belongs. As a Texas Tech alumnus, I have a soft spot in my heart for him and will be rooting for him. That also makes me a Patrick Mahomes fan, so Sunday’s playoff game against the Texans will be torture.

It’s an early start time, which the Rockets have historically struggled with during the James Harden Era due to...reasons.

Tip-off is at 4pm CT