NBA Basketball
2013-03-15 - Minnesota Timberwolves at Houston Rockets
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NBA Basketball
Friday 15 March 2013 - Tip Off 8pm
Midnight (British Time)
Preview
The Play Offs are slightly more than a month away and that means that those teams fighting to get into the post-season can no longer afford to drop games. The Houston Rockets (35-30) are currently holding the Number 7 seed in the Western Conference and have a 2 game lead over the Utah Jazz just outside of the Play Off places and need to take advantage of every home game they have.
It is especially important for Houston to beat the likes of the injury ravaged Minnesota Timberwolves (22-40) who have been far outside of the Play Off positions that some expected for them. Unfortunately, the entire roster has suffered long-term injuries at one time or another and that is why they are coasting towards the end of the season.
Houston are coming into the game off a blow out win over the Phoenix Suns here and can't afford to lose momentum with both the Golden State Warriors and Utah Jazz next on deck, two teams fighting for those places at the bottom of the Western Conference Play Off picture.
The Rockets have now won 7 of their last 8 home games and now take on Minnesota who have lost 14 of their last 15 road games and who were comfortably beaten at the Indiana Pacers in their most recent game.
However, it is not wise for Houston to under-estimate Minnesota as it was only earlier this week that they knocked off the San Antonio Spurs, the current Number 1 seed in the Western Conference. They also beat Houston the last time these teams met, but the likes of Andrei Kirileno and Nikola Pekovic are both unlikely to be involved in this one.
Ricky Rubio is playing at a high level as the Timberwolves are relying on him desperately at the moment, but I think it says a lot when Rick Adelman admitted that they did 'run out of gas' in the second half in their loss in Indiana. Being short-handed again is unlikely to help against an up-tempo team like Houston, especially not here in Texas.
Head to Head
Minnesota have a 4-1 record in the last 5 games in this series which should also focus Houston.
The Rockets have lost 3 in a row at home against Minnesota since a 26 point win over them back in November 2010.
Prediction
It is a big spread, but I think the Houston Rockets will be able to cover tonight as they have too much depth for the Minnesota Timberwolves who will be short-handed.
Houston have also been good as a double-digit favourite so far this season, while Minnesota have struggled as a big dog and I think that will potentially continue.
The Pick :
Houston Rockets 115-99 Minnesota Timberwolves
