With six time NBA All Star James Harden as their triggerman the Houston Rockets are soaring. Currently Houston is in a heated race with the Golden State Warriors for the top seed in the West. In addition, they are also battling the Warriors for the top ranked offense in the Association. Despite all that the Rockets have been an offshore betting home overlay. Meanwhile the Minnesota Timberwolves are playoff bound for the first time since 2004. Not only that but they also lead the Northwest Division. Jimmy Butler is Minnesota’s All Star sharpshooter. He has resuscitated a dead franchise.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Houston Rockets
Date and Time: Friday February 23, 2018, 8 p.m. Eastern
Location: Toyota Center, Houston, Texas
NBA Betting Online Odds at SBG:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timberwolves | +8½ (-110) | 225 (-110) |  |
| Rockets | -8½ (-110) | 225 (-110) | |
| |||
Timberwolves vs. Rockets TV Coverage: ESPN
Currently the Minnesota Timberwolves lead Oklahoma City by two games in the Northwest Division. They are 36-25 straight up and 28-31-2 with the NBA Finals Betting Odds. However, concerns have been raised about Minnesota’s recent performance. In their last five games they lost three straight up. Most noteworthy they failed to get the money in those five games.
Jimmy Butler was acquired from the Chicago Bulls last summer. And Butler triggers the NBA’s sixth ranked offense. He has a team best 22.4 points per game average. Head coach Tom Thibodeau made his name with Butler at Chicago. Defense was what Thibodeau was known for. Yet his Wolves team ranks only 19th in the Association for defense. Because of the partnership of Thibodeau and Butler the Minnesota franchise is reborn.
Seems like there are few teams more entertaining that the Houston Rockets. Also, of note is that they are running away with the Southwest Division race. However, the Rockets have paid in just 11 out of 29 home games. Probably a big reason for their bad home value is James Harden. As the Rockets leading scorer with 31 points per game he causes attention. Bettors flock to the board for Houston home games due to Harden. Consequently, the betting value of the Rockets gets crushed. Only Golden State scores more points per game than Houston.
Head to head Minnesota has covered seven of their last ten against Houston. Over the total has paid in 13 out of the last 15 in this sportsbook series. Most relevant is that the Wolves have strong value at Toyota Center. Minnesota got the cash in five out of their last six games at Houston. Seven out of the last eight games at Toyota Center in this series went over the number. Houston turned the tables in this series on January 18 however. The Rockets scored a 116-98 home payout then over the Wolves.
Matchup to Watch
Despite being a favorite with the NBA Finals betting odds the Rockets have been a poor betting value at home. Also, Minnesota has the revenge angle. Hence their last game at Houston was an embarrassment. Motivation also ties into the revenge factor. Most of all the Wolves boast strong betting numbers at Houston.
Timberwolves vs. Rockets NBA games Betting Odds Picks
Beyond Minnesota’s eyesore at Houston last month Butler offers another edge. Finally, Thibodeau is one of the better NBA coaches. Therefore, Minnesota is the pick.
NBA Betting Online Pick: Minnesota Timberwolves
NBA Betting Online Score Prediction: Timberwolves 110, Rockets 108
Check out All Star highlights of Jimmy Butler!