Timberwolves vs Rockets NBA Analysis, Odds, and Best Bet (2/21)

We’ve got Friday night NBA hoops. The Ant-Man brings his squad into Houston to play the reeling Rockets. Can Houston deal with its problems and lift-off or do the T’Wolves bring the cold to Texas? Let’s talk hoops.

Game Information

• Toyota Center Houston, Texas
• Minnesota Timberwolves (31-25) visit the (34-21) Houston Rockets
• Previous Matchup: MIN Win 127-114 February 6th, 2025

Minnesota Timberwolves @ Houston Rockets

Anthony Edwards said he doesn’t want to be the face of the NBA. I don’t believe him. However, I do believe that the Ant-Man knows the face of the league isn’t picked. It just happens. It could happen for Edwards. He is averaging 34.4 points in his last ten games. Pundits questioned his insane volume from the three during this season but he’s continued to shoot a high percentage. The Timberwolves will need his scoring against the Rocket’s elite defence.

Rockets basketball is back on Friday ⏳

Ready to battle the rest of the way. pic.twitter.com/C4t7c7mwBt

— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) February 20, 2025

Ime Udoka and company have crafted the 6th ranked scoring defence allowing only 108.6 points per game. Teams struggle to shoot and score in transition against this squad. Unfortunately, they have they 17th ranked scoring offence. They are 28th in both 2-point percentage and 3-point percentage. Alperen Şengün and Jalen Green are the leading scorers for this team, but their shooting splits leave much to be desired.

Both these squads have been struggling in their last ten games. As the playoffs approach they both need to get back to their winning ways if they want to get good playoff positions. Additionally, when these two teams played one another two weeks ago it got chippy. Both squads likely circled this one on the calendar when that game hit all zeroes on the clock.

NBA Game Analysis

The visitors have the third ranked scoring defence. The Timberwolves can win this game if that 20th ranked scoring offence can find ways to score. The Rockets have a fantastic fast break defence. It may sound way too simple, but the Wolves need Anthony Edwards to score over 30 to stay in this game. The Timberwolves have been stealing games on the road recently. They are 7-2 in their last nine road games. Additionally, they are 6-3 against the spread in those 9 road contests.

The over has also hit in 4 of the last 5 on the road. This squad knows the steal road games they need to run up the score. They Rockets are 17th in points allowed in the paint so perhaps Naz Reid and Rudy Gobert could make noise in this one as they lead the team in paint touches. Conclusively, Şengün is not a good paint defender so Minnesota should look to exploit him.

The Rockets offence is flawed but so is Minnesota’s. The T’Wolves are 19th in assist-to-turnover ratio. This means that they struggle to create offence without turnovers. Minnesota needs to take care of the ball then as Houston is 8th in steals per game.

ANTHONY EDWARDS PUT CHET ON A POSTER 🤯 pic.twitter.com/oGm9DtJWnP

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 14, 2025

The Rockets could defend home court by getting out in transition then crashing hard. Houston is very good at getting second chance points as they ranked first in the league scoring 18.2 points per game. The Timberwolves are mediocre at limiting second chance points (14th) and offensive rebounds (14th). The Rockets lack for players who can create their own shots. They do not lack athletes who play hard and defend for all 48 minutes. They are 17-9 inside Toyota Center for that reason. It is also going to be HBCU night so the arena will have extra buzz.

NBA Best Bet: Naz Reid o7.5 Rebounds (-135)

With Rudy Gobert on the injury report I decided to go with Naz Reid. Both players get paint touches, score there, and excel at second chance opportunities. If Gobert is ruled out this number will move drastically. He had 11 rebounds against Houston the last matchup on the 6th of February. During that game there was jawing back and forth. Coming out of the All-Star break this could be a messy game when also considering the two good defences. Should be plenty of opportunities to rebound.

everybody say hello to Naz Reid. pic.twitter.com/t1eEgnB7ok

— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) February 21, 2025

Thanks for reading!

Follow me @JustSukh on X!

Also, get the best odds & all the up to date lines right here at Betting News!

Follow us at Betting News for all of our sports betting content & streams on Twitch every day as well!

Looking for a great promo for a new sportsbooks? Check out all the various sign-up bonuses & reviews we have for numerous sportsbook, available everywhere!

Still Here? More NBA Betting Stories

• NBA Defensive Player of the Year Odds
• 2024-25 NBA Power Rankings
• NBA Betting Tips