The Timberwolves and Rockets have played two close games this season -- a one-point Wolves win and an overtime Rockets win. It's a tight matchup, and without Julius Randle in the lineup Anthony Edwards will be able to work in better spacing. I like Minnesota to get on a hot streak down the stretch and it starts Friday night.

The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Houston Rockets 127-114 at home on February 6th. At the end of the third quarter, the Rockets were leading 98-92 but outscored 35-16 in the fourth quarter. The Rockets are healthier now and should be motivated after entering the All-Star break with a 3-7 straight-up and a 2-8 against-the-spread records of late. According to my model, the Rockets are favored to win by 4 points.

Fred VanVleet remains out for Houston but Jabari Smith will play after missing the past 22 games. Probably will have to come off the bench, though, because Amen Thompson has been so good starting. Good problem to have. Ideally we wait to see if Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert play (both questionable) and hopefully not. But if they get ruled out then this ML would be unplayable. Still no Julius Randle or Donte DiVincenzo for the Wolves.