Houston Rockets vs Minnesota Timberwolves (01-16-2026) game preview: When and where to watch, expected lineup, injury report, prediction, and more

The Houston Rockets have an opportunity to get back on track when they play the Minnesota Timberwolves today after losing badly to the Oklahoma City Thunder yesterday night. However, Minnesota has won six of its last seven games and two in a row, while the Rockets have lost four of their previous five games.

The over/under is set at 222.5 total points, and the Rockets are 4.5 points ahead of the Timberwolves on the spread (Rockets -4.5). On the moneyline, Minnesota is +142 to pull off the upset, while Houston is a -170 favorite to win outright.

Houston Rockets vs Minnesota Timberwolves - When and where to watch the game

Tonight's NBA game will pit the Minnesota Timberwolves (27-14) against the Houston Rockets (23-15). The tipoff at the Toyota Centre in Houston, Texas, is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET. ESPN will carry the game live. Fubo and Prime Videos will also telecast the entire match

Houston Rockets vs Minnesota Timberwolves - Expected Starting Lineups

Houston Rockets

PG Amen Thompson
SG Kevin Durant
SF Josh Okogie
PF Jabari Smith Jr.
C Alperen Sengun

Minnesota Timberwolves

PG Donte DiVincenzo
SG Bones Hyland
SF Jaden McDaniels
PF Julius Randle
C Rudy Gobert

Houston Rockets vs Minnesota Timberwolves - Injury Report

Houston Rockets

• Steven Adams- Day-to-day (Won't start against the Kings on Sunday)
• Dorian Finney-Smith- Day-to-day (Has been ruled out)
• Tari Eason- Out (Ankle)
• Fred VanVleet- Out (Suffered a torn ACL)

Minnesota Timberwolves

• Anthony Edwards- Out (Foot)
• Terrence Shannon Jr.- Out (Recovery from a left foot abductor)

Houston Rockets vs Minnesota Timberwolves - Game Prediction

The season series between the Minnesota Timberwolves (27-14) and Houston Rockets (23-15) will begin. Despite their difficult back-to-back schedule, the Rockets are at least playing the Timberwolves sans Anthony Edwards. Without him in Milwaukee, they managed to handle business. They did, however, appear to be having trouble tonight in Houston.

This season, Houston has an outstanding 12-3 record at home. Despite its poor performance against the spread, it has covered in three of four games as home favourites of between -3 and -6. After defeating the Milwaukee Bucks 139-106, the Minnesota Timberwolves are now fourth in the Western Conference. The Houston Rockets, who are currently sixth in the West, were defeated 111-91 by Oklahoma City in their most recent game.


Also read: Dallas Mavericks vs Houston Rockets (12-06-2025) game preview: When and where to watch, expected lineup, injury report, prediction, and more



Get the latest WPL 2026 updates including WPL teams, full WPL 2026 schedule, and live scores for Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, UP Warriorz, Gujarat Giants, and Delhi Capitals. Also check the latest WPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.