Kevin Durant Leads Shorthanded Rockets Against Timberwolves In Crucial NBA Clash

The Toyota Center in Houston was buzzing with anticipation on Friday night as the Houston Rockets squared off against the Minnesota Timberwolves in a pivotal Western Conference clash. With both teams jockeying for playoff position—Minnesota entering the game at 27-14, holding fourth in the conference, and Houston close behind at 23-15 and sixth—the stakes were unmistakably high. Basketball fans across the country tuned in on ESPN and SCHN, eager to see if the shorthanded Rockets, led by veteran superstar Kevin Durant, could fend off the Timberwolves, who themselves were missing key contributors.

All eyes were on Kevin Durant, the 37-year-old forward who continues to defy Father Time. The Rockets confirmed Durant would suit up, and his presence alone was enough to energize the Houston faithful. Having appeared in 36 of the Rockets’ 38 games this season, Durant entered Friday averaging 25.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per contest, shooting an impressive 51.3 percent from the field. Coming off a rare off-night—a 19-point effort in Thursday’s 91-111 stumble against the Oklahoma City Thunder, marking his first game under 20 points since December 11—Durant was determined to bounce back.

“The Slim Reaper will be suiting up for the Rockets on Friday, January 16,” reported EssentiallySports, confirming that Houston’s medical staff had kept Durant off the injury list. That was a welcome sign for a Rockets squad entering the matchup shorthanded: Dorian Finney-Smith was listed as day-to-day after missing the previous game, Tari Eason remained sidelined with an ankle injury, and guard Fred VanVleet was still out following an ACL injury sustained in 2025. The absence of VanVleet, in particular, has been a lingering concern for Houston, as the team continues to await clarity on his return timeline.

On the Timberwolves’ side, the injury bug was biting just as hard. Minnesota was forced to navigate the contest without their franchise cornerstone, Anthony Edwards, who sat due to right foot workload care. In addition, Enrique Freeman and Rocco Zikarsky were unavailable because of developmental assignments in the G League, while Terrence Shannon Jr. was sidelined with a left foot muscle strain. The loss of Edwards, affectionately known as “Ant-Man,” was especially disappointing for fans hoping to see his much-anticipated duel with Durant.

Despite the depleted rosters, the game promised no shortage of drama. Betting lines courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook highlighted the star power on both teams. Durant’s player prop bets set his points over/under at 25.5, rebounds at 5.5, assists at 4.5, and made three-pointers at 2.5. Those numbers were just a shade below his season averages, underscoring his consistent impact. For the Rockets, Amen Thompson also drew attention from oddsmakers, with over/unders of 18.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 0.5 made threes. Thompson has quietly impressed, averaging 18.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 0.4 made threes per game so far.

On the Timberwolves’ side, Julius Randle’s prop bets were set at 23.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.5 made threes. Randle’s season averages—22.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.6 made threes—suggested he’d be a focal point for Minnesota, especially with Edwards out. Rudy Gobert was another key figure, with prop bets of 10.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists, closely aligned with his season marks of 11 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game.

The predicted starting lineups for both teams reflected the injury-induced adjustments. Houston’s depth at forward was notably thin, while Minnesota’s rotation was stretched by the loss of Edwards and several reserves. Yet, if history has taught NBA fans anything, it’s that adversity often brings out the best in top-tier athletes.

“Houston would need the power of Kevin Durant, while Minnesota would bank on Anthony Edwards,” noted EssentiallySports—though, with Edwards sidelined, the Timberwolves would be forced to lean even harder on Randle and Gobert. The matchup also presented an intriguing subplot: could Houston’s Amen Thompson continue his upward trajectory and help fill the void left by VanVleet, or would Minnesota’s defensive stalwarts clamp down on the Rockets’ young guard?

Durant, for his part, entered the night determined to put his previous game behind him. On Thursday, he “never found rhythm with the ball, yet he paced the Houston side through attempt volume rather than efficiency.” Still, his defensive engagement was noted, as he “matched his top takeaway mark this year after going nine straight outings without one.” Such resilience has been characteristic of Durant’s season, and with the Rockets in the thick of the playoff hunt, his leadership would be crucial.

As for the Timberwolves, the absence of Edwards meant increased responsibility for Julius Randle. Randle’s prop bet for points (23.5) was slightly above his season average, hinting at expectations for him to step up offensively. Rudy Gobert’s rebounding prowess was also in the spotlight; his over/under of 11.5 boards was just a tick above his season average, and with Houston’s frontcourt depth compromised, Gobert had an opportunity to dominate the glass.

The broader context of the Western Conference playoff race added yet another layer of intrigue. With the Timberwolves sitting fourth and the Rockets just two games back, every win—or loss—could have significant postseason implications. While Houston’s recent stumble against Oklahoma City was a setback, the team’s overall form, buoyed by Durant’s scoring and Thompson’s emergence, has kept them firmly in the mix.

Bettors and fans alike kept a close eye on the player props, with Durant’s scoring, Thompson’s all-around contributions, and Randle’s offensive output all under the microscope. Would Durant bounce back with a signature performance? Could Randle and Gobert shoulder the load for a shorthanded Timberwolves squad? The answers were set to unfold on the hardwood, with both teams desperate to make a statement as the playoff picture begins to crystallize.

As the action unfolded at Toyota Center, the atmosphere was electric. Even without all the stars on the floor, the game served up the basketball drama fans crave. With so much on the line and both teams battling adversity, every possession felt magnified. The outcome remained undecided as of press time, but one thing was clear: in the wild, wild West, there’s never a dull night.

Whether the Rockets can capitalize on home court and Durant’s leadership, or the Timberwolves can overcome their absences to secure a crucial road win, the Western Conference race just got a little tighter. Stay tuned—this NBA season is far from settled.