The Houston Rockets (1-0) will be 10.5-point favorites at home in game two of the First Round of the Western Conference Playoffs when they challenge the Minnesota Timberwolves (0-1). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 214.5 points and it can be seen on TNT at 9:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 18, 2018.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Houston Rockets ATS Odds
In game one, Harden led the Rockets to a 104-101 victory. He was the game’s top overall scorer with 44 points. The two teams combined to put up 205 points, which was under the projected point total of 215, and Houston was unable to cover as an 11.5-point favorite. The Rockets’ 10.6 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over the Timberwolves, who had a rate of 12.3.
The high-octane offense of Houston will go head-to-head against the porous defense of Minnesota. The Rockets rank first in offensive efficiency, while the Timberwolves are 24th in defensive efficiency. The Rockets figure to have the edge on that end of the court. Also, the Timberwolves, who rank fourth in offensive rebounding percentage (24.4 percent), will face a tough challenge against the Rockets, who rank third in defensive rebounding percentage (79.8 percent).
Of the Timberwolves’ 83 games, 45 have finished over the O/U total. Minnesota heads into the game with records of 47-36 straight up (SU) and 39-41-3 against the spread (ATS).
Of the Rockets’ 83 games, 48 have finished under the projected point total. Additionally, Houston is 66-17 SU and 41-40-2 ATS.
Jeff Teague has been playing at a high level recently for Minnesota, averaging 19.0 points, 6.2 assists and 1.2 steals over the last five games.
Minnesota Timberwolves at Houston Rockets Odds Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Rockets, ATS Winner – Timberwolves, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Timberwolves average 13.6 second chance points per game, which ranks seventh in the league. The Rockets rank ninth in second chance points allowed per game (11.9).
- Houston ranks first in three pointers attempted per game (42.3) while Minnesota ranks last (22.5).
- The Timberwolves rank 17th in assists per game (22.7) while the Rockets rank 27th (21.5).
- Houston ranks 16th in fast break points per game (11.4) while Minnesota ranks 25th (9.7).
- Minnesota ranks fifth in points off turnovers per game (17.5) while Houston ranks 11th in points off turnovers allowed per game (15.6).
- The Timberwolves rank fourth in points in the paint per game (49.2) while the Rockets rank 28th (40.9).
- The Rockets rank fifth in blocks allowed per game (4.4) while the Timberwolves rank 12th (4.7).
- Minnesota ranks third in rebounds allowed per game (41.8) while Houston ranks fourth (42.1).
- Minnesota ranks first in steals allowed per game (6.5) while Houston ranks 11th (7.4).
- Houston is 32-3 when they allow below 100 points, while Minnesota is 19-4.
- The Rockets are 63-12 when they reach 100 points, while the Timberwolves are 44-23.
- Minnesota is 18-22-2 ATS on the road, while Houston is 17-24-1 ATS at home.
- The Timberwolves have 21 overs and 21 unders in 42 road games.
- The Rockets have 23 unders and 19 overs in 42 home games.
Bettings Trends:
- The Timberwolves are 5-0 ATS over their last five games, while the Rockets are 0-5.
- In their last five games, Minnesota has 4 unders and 1 over, while Houston has 5 unders.
- During their last five games, the Timberwolves have scored an average of 107.0 points per game (2.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 100.0 points per game (7.2 below their season average).
- The Rockets have been outscored by an average of 1.6 points in their last five games. For the season, Houston has defeated opponents by an average of 8.4 points.
