Nancy Turner
Jan 04, 2024 - 09:00

Top NBA Defenses Clash in Rockets vs Timberwolves Game

Minnesota Timberwolves face off against the Houston Rockets. Top two defenses in the NBA go head to head.

The Minnesota Timberwolves (24-9, first in the Western Conference) will face off against the Houston Rockets (17-15, eighth in the Western Conference) in Houston on Friday at 8 p.m. EST.

This game will feature a showdown between the NBA's top two defenses, with the Rockets boasting a 14-9 record against conference opponents and ranking third in the Western Conference in rebounding, averaging 45.1 rebounds per game. Alperen Sengun leads the Rockets with 9.0 boards. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves hold a 17-5 record in conference matchups and have a 4-1 record in games decided by 3 points or fewer.

The Rockets score an average of 113.0 points per game, 5.2 more points than the Timberwolves allow (107.8). Additionally, the Timberwolves average 12.0 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.4 more makes per game than the Rockets allow.

Key players to watch in this matchup include Sengun, who is averaging 21.5 points, nine rebounds, and 5.2 assists for the Rockets, and Fred VanVleet, who is averaging 19.8 points and 8.7 assists over the past 10 games for Houston. On the Timberwolves side, Rudy Gobert is scoring 12.6 points per game and averaging 11.9 rebounds, while Anthony Edwards is averaging 32.7 points and 5.0 rebounds over the last 10 games for Minnesota.

In their last 10 games, the Rockets have a 4-6 record, averaging 120.9 points, 42.8 rebounds, 25.7 assists, 8.7 steals, and 3.6 blocks per game, with opponents averaging 119.4 points per game. The Timberwolves, on the other hand, have a 6-4 record in their last 10 games, averaging 112.4 points, 38.2 rebounds, 25.9 assists, 8.4 steals, and 5.6 blocks per game, with opponents averaging 112.7 points.

In terms of injuries, the Rockets will be without Victor Oladipo (knee), Tari Eason (leg), and Dillon Brooks (oblique), while the Timberwolves will be missing Jaylen Clark (achilles) and Luka Garza (back).