2* - [514] Minnesota Timberwolves -1.5 -110 vs Houston Rockets These teams have 2 recent games to research. Both teams won easily on the road. The first game was in Minnesota, and then the most recent game was in Houston. Both teams just played last night as the T-Wolves played a tough game in New Jersey, and the Rockets meanwhile were easily handling the Suns at home. The last outing between these teams in Houston was a quick turnaround game as well for Minnesota as they were in L.A. the night before to play a tough game with the Lakers. Houston was well rested for the last contest. Minnesota is the more talented team here and with Beasley back they are deeper as well. Houston has had a very generous schedule of late with 10 of its last 13 @ home. And only 3 of the 13 games were against teams with a winning record (San Antonio 2x and Portland). The last time these teams met in Minnesota (a 107-92 Houston win), Rubio was awful. His +/- went from -19 in the first game to +22 in the rematch. The bottom line for me is talent. Houston can't match up with Love. Minnesota is stronger up front, and the backcourt is about a wash. The T-Wolves win the rebounding battle and avenge the earlier home defeat tonight. I'm taking the short home line here.
21-12 (+16.5 UNITS ON FREE PICKS)
2* - [514] Minnesota Timberwolves -1.5 -110 vs Houston Rockets
These teams have 2 recent games to research. Both teams won easily on the road. The first game was in Minnesota, and then the most recent game was in Houston. Both teams just played last night as the T-Wolves played a tough game in New Jersey, and the Rockets meanwhile were easily handling the Suns at home. The last outing between these teams in Houston was a quick turnaround game as well for Minnesota as they were in L.A. the night before to play a tough game with the Lakers. Houston was well rested for the last contest. Minnesota is the more talented team here and with Beasley back they are deeper as well. Houston has had a very generous schedule of late with 10 of its last 13 @ home. And only 3 of the 13 games were against teams with a winning record (San Antonio 2x and Portland). The last time these teams met in Minnesota (a 107-92 Houston win), Rubio was awful. His +/- went from -19 in the first game to +22 in the rematch. The bottom line for me is talent. Houston can't match up with Love. Minnesota is stronger up front, and the backcourt is about a wash. The T-Wolves win the rebounding battle and avenge the earlier home defeat tonight. I'm taking the short home line here.