The Houston Rockets are set to face off against the Minnesota Timberwolves on February 6, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET at the Target Center. This game is pivotal for both teams as they navigate the competitive waters of the NBA playoffs, with the Rockets currently positioned as the No. 3 seed and the Timberwolves lying at No. 7.
The Rockets, boasting a 32-18 record, come off the back of several disappointing performances, having dropped four of their last five games. Their most recent setback was a narrow 99-97 loss to the Brooklyn Nets. Houston's squad has felt the impact of injuries, particularly with Fred VanVleet sidelined, which has emphasized the importance of forward Amen Thompson. Thompson has recently stepped up, drawing comparisons to six-time All-Star Kawhi Leonard following his impressive play.
Thompson's evolution as a main offensive option has been significant, especially with the absence of VanVleet and another key player, Alperen Sengun. Despite Sengun’s return to the lineup, Thompson has continued to shine, showcasing his playmaking abilities and consistently racking up assists. "Amen Thompson Over 14.5 Rebounds + Assists is a play I like here. I'm back on this after hitting it a couple times recently," noted New York Post contributor Doug Kezirian, highlighting Thompson’s recent surge where he has recorded stats well above expectations.
On the other side, the Timberwolves, holding a 28-23 record, are coming off a commanding 127-108 victory over the Chicago Bulls. This win provided them with a much-needed boost and momentum going forward. Historically, the Timberwolves have dominated this matchup, having won 11 of the past 13 meetings against the Rockets.
For this upcoming game, oddsmakers have set the Timberwolves as slight favorites at -115 on the moneyline, with the Rockets at -105 underdogs. The spread is tight, with the Timberwolves -1.5 and the Rockets +1.5, indicating how closely contested this contest is expected to be. The over/under is pegged at 214.5 points, reflecting the competitive nature of the matchup.
The betting trends reveal significant public sentiment as well: 59% of bets and 65% of the money are going on the Minnesota moneyline, with 82% of bets on the total to go over. This suggests strong confidence among bettors about the game being high-scoring.
Given these dynamics, both teams have much at stake. A victory for the Rockets could help them solidify their playoff standing, especially with tough competition from teams like the 32-19 Denver Nuggets now breathing down their necks. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves are eager to continue their climb, potentially moving up to the No. 6 seed with the right combination of results.
Thompson's performances have become pivotal for the Rockets, and analysts are eyeing his over/under prop bets closely. Taking the over on Thompson's combined rebounds and assists could be wise, as he's averaged significantly above the betting line recently.
The matchup on February 6 presents not only playoff stakes but also the chance for Thompson to demonstrate his capacity as a rising star within the league. Overall, fans can expect nothing less than intense competition as both teams vie for position and momentum, with the start time at 8 PM ET and broadcast available on NBA League Pass.