The Houston Rockets, winners of 9 straight, travel north for the second game of a back-to-back to face off against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The red-hot Rockets sit tied for 3rd in the Western Conference, while the disappointing Timberwolves sit in the bottom of the standings with the second worst record in the Western Conference. This should be an interesting match up as the Rockets are the 3rd best team in terms of offensive efficiency, while the Timberwolves are the 4th worst team in defensive efficiency.

The Timberwolves were projected to be a team to look out for this season as many thought the young team could make a leap into the playoff picture with a new coach and young studs Karl Anthony-Towns and Andrew Wiggins. Wins have been a rare commodity as they have not put together back-to-back wins this season. The problems for the Timberwolves have been on the defensive end as they allow 108.9 points per game, which ranks 4th worst in the league.

The Rockets can win this game if they exploit the Timberwolves defensive weaknesses, and use their high pace to force the young Timberwolves to make mistakes. The focus of the Rockets defensive efforts should lie in stopping defending Rookie of the Year Karl Anthony-Towns. Towns has averaged 21.8 points and 10.4 rebounds this season, and should be a tough task for Ryan Anderson and Clint Capela. The Rockets are good enough to not let this become a “letdown spot” and shouldn’t let their guard down against a young team desperate for wins.

7pm, Root Sports Southwest