For the first time since 2004 Minnesota will host a NBA playoff game. While the Timberwolves are NBA betting online underdogs it’s still a momentous occasion. For 14 years Twin City hoops fans have wallowed in perpetual misery. Saturday is their night of salvation. Regardless of what happens they will savor the moment. And in a one game setting they may even get the ultimate prize. Because the Wolves are capable of stealing a game at home. Houston may be the chalk to win it all. But they are stepping into a potential Wolves Den for game three.
Houston Rockets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Game 3
Date and Time: Saturday, April 21, 2018, 7:30 p.m. Eastern
Location: Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
NBA Betting Online Odds:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rockets | -5 (-110) | 214 (-110) |  |
| Timberwolves | +5 (-110) | 214 (-110) | |
| |||
Rockets vs. Timberwolves TV Coverage: ESPN
Houston Leads Series 2-0
Houston scored an easy NBA betting online payout in game two 102-82. So the Wolves trail this best of seven series two games to none. Game four will also be played in Minnesota on Monday. Chris Paul led the Rockets with 27 points in that second game.
Houston
Houston is the top seed in the Western Conference. James Harden triggers the NBA’s best offense. He was the NBA scoring champion with 30 points per game. Harden is team captain and a six-time NBA All Star. Incredible is the irony of his winning NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2012. For three consecutive seasons he has averaged at least 29 points per game.
Rockets
Houston head coach Mike D’Antoni made his name with Phoenix. While there he led exciting offense-oriented teams. Defense was the liability that prevented championships. Twice the Suns lost the Conference finals when D’Antoni was there. Failure at New York and Los Angeles was a bitter pill. Yet he has regained NBA respect with what he has accomplished at Houston. Most impressive is the Rockets defensive ranking of sixth in the NBA. Two NBA Coach of the Year awards belong to D’Antoni.
Tom Thibodeau
Minnesota’s Tom Thibodeau is a NBA Coach of the Year in his own right. He had great success at Chicago in his first head job. But the Bulls were often injury hampered. Also lacking was scoring depth and offensive skill. Playoff failure came as a result. Since his departure the Bulls have wallowed in mediocrity. Thibodeau is celebrated as a defensive genius. Yet he draws compliments for his offensive sets. Player development is another strength. Ending the Wolves 14-year playoff drought is a major accomplishment.
Team vs Team
Houston has covered their last two sportsbook matchups at Minnesota. Six of the last seven in this series at Target Center went over the total. Target Center will be packed and rocking. Playoff basketball has been a long time coming for their fans.
Matchup to Watch
Houston will face their biggest NBA betting online challenge in game three. Minnesota will bring everything and more. Despite not being the better team, they may be the better value. Home court should be the matchup difference maker. Thibodeau adds to the value.
Rockets vs. Timberwolves NBA games Betting Odds Picks
Minnesota should get the money in their first home playoff game since 2004.
NBA Betting Online Pick: Minnesota Timberwolves
NBA Betting Online Score Prediction: Timberwolves 106, Rockets 103