Minnesota is in the playoffs for the first time since 2004. Head coach Tom Thibodeau has proven to be one of the best. Guard Jimmy Butler was the key acquisition of last summer. Thibodeau and Butler once partnered in Chicago. Reuniting in the Twin Cities has proven the tandem’s merits. However, against Houston, the Timberwolves are heavy underdogs. In fact, the Rockets are NBA games betting odds chalks to win it all. NBA scoring leader James Harden triggers the NBA’s best offense. Coach Mike D’Antoni is a top offensive mind. This year he has added an element of defense.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Houston Rockets Game 2
Date and Time: Wednesday, April, 2018, 9:30 p.m. Eastern
Location: Toyota Center, Houston, Texas
NBA Betting Online Odds at SBG:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timberwolves | +10 (-110) | 214½ (-110) |  |
| Rockets | -10 (-110) | 214½ (-110) | |
| |||
Timberwolves vs. Rockets TV Coverage: TNT
Minnesota
Minnesota got the money in a game one 104-101 loss. Houston was an 11.5-point chalk. James Harden drained 44 points to lead the Rockets. Clint Capela added 24 more for Houston. Jimmy Butler was held to 13 points for the Timberwolves. Games three and four of this best of seven series will be in Minnesota. Game two should see a similar number posted for Houston. Most of their playoff home games will come with a big number. Public perception is on to the Rockets. Their top seed and Harden make them a popular choice. Which also means expensive.
Wolves on Court
On the road Minnesota was not a great NBA games betting success. Only 17 times did they get the money in 41 away tilts. Butler missing much of the stretch run of the season certainly hurt. Tom Thibodeau was known as a defensive coach at Chicago. With the Wolves he has flipped the script somewhat. Offensively his team ranked eighth in the NBA. Offsetting that was a defense that ranked a subpar 17th in the Association.
Houston
As good as the Rockets were on the season they weren’t profitable at home. With 41 chances at Toyota Center they got the cash just 17 times. D’Antoni was long celebrated for his offensive brilliance. Most impressive this year was his development of the Houston defense. They ranked sixth best in the NBA for points allowed.
Rockets on Court
Butler was Minnesota’s top scorer at 22 points per game. Karl Anthony Towns emerged as a second threat. Towns pumped in 21 points per game. He also kept the glass clean with 12 rebounds per outing. Harden was lights out for Houston with 30 points and nine rebounds per game. Capela was the Rockets top rebounder with 11 per game.
Team vs Team
Houston has covered four of five online sportsbook matchups with Minnesota. 14 of the last 17 in this series have gone over the total. At home the Rockets have covered two of their last three vs. the Wolves. Two of those games went under the number.
Matchup to Watch
Near certain is Houston’s chances of winning this series. But beating the NBA games betting odds is another matter altogether. As game one demonstrated a team can win as it loses. Overlays are a constant worry for Rockets home playoff games. In this matchup the high price is the matchup difference.
Timberwolves vs. Rockets NBA games Betting Odds Picks
Minnesota is good enough to stay within the number. They should visit the cashier’s cage yet again!
NBA Betting Online Pick: Minnesota Timberwolves
NBA Betting Online Score Prediction: Timberwolves 103, Rockets 106
Check out game one highlights of the Rockets and Timberwolves!