Timberwolves vs Rockets Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game

The Minnesota Timberwolves will be without their best player tonight, but they still have a chance to push the Houston Rockets towards the Play-In Tournament.
That will mark the downfall of a team that entered this season with a legitimate desire for a title following the arrival of Kevin Durant.
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Mine Timberwolves vs. Rocket predictions see Minnesota’s immediate value in Anthony Edwards’ absence.
Read more in my NBA picks for Friday, January 16.
Tip-off is scheduled for 9:30 pm ET at the Toyota Center in Houston, and the game will air on ESPN.
Timberwolves vs Rockets prediction
Timberwolves vs Rockets is the best bet: Jaden McDaniels Over 16.5 points (-105)
Jaden McDaniels scored 14 points in the first quarter on Tuesday in Milwaukee, which is why he ended the scoring streak at halftime, adding a second 3-pointer. The Minnesota Timberwolves were beating the Bucks so much that McDaniels was relieved.
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He has now removed the prop in six of eight games without Anthony Edwards in the lineup this season, averaging 19.9 points in those eight games, up from 13.5 points in 31 games with the Minnesota star.
McDaniels takes 10.1 shots per game with Edwards in the lineup, jumping to 13.75 without the MVP candidate. Perhaps even more notable, McDaniels’ field goal percentage increased to 55.5% on those increased usages, up from 51.0%.
The 25-year-old is a more complete player than he’s given credit for, and that often shows when the Timberwolves’ best player is sitting on the bench.
Timberwolves vs Rockets for the same game
Doubt Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard in all defensive matchups. He logged 19 minutes last night and finished with a team worst minus-10.
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Yes, it was a 20-point loss to Oklahoma City, but some of that was due to Sheppard’s defensive woes. Minnesota point guard Donte DiVincenzo shouldn’t need much space to score in this matchup.
The McDaniels-DiVincenzo pairing has been the main reason the Timberwolves are 5-1 ATS in their last six games without Anthony Edwards, compared to 13-17 ATS with Edwards since November 1.
As smart as Edwards is, Minnesota tends to play with more focus in his absence.
Timberwolves vs Rockets SGP
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Jaden McDaniels Over 16.5 points
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Donte DiVincenzo Over 14.5 points
Our SGP “from the city”: Gobert or Go Home
Before Rudy Gobert’s one-game suspension on Tuesday, he had erased the streak in six straight games. The Minnesota center may be playing the best basketball of his career.
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Timberwolves vs Rockets SGP
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Jaden McDaniels Over 16.5 points
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Donte DiVincenzo Over 14.5 points
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Rudy Gobert Over 11.5 rebounds
Timberwolves vs Rockets odds
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Spreading: Timberwolves +4.5 (-110) | Rockets -4.5 (-110)
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Moneyline: Timberwolves +150 | Rockets -180
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Above/Below: Over 222 (-110) | Under 222 (-110)
Timberwolves vs Rockets betting practice to know
Houston has lost seven straight games against the spread, falling short of bookie expectations by an average of 13.1 points. That includes four straight losses as a favorite. Find more NBA betting tips for Timberwolves vs. Rockets.
How to watch Timberwolves vs Rockets
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Location |
Toyota Center, Houston, TX |
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The day |
Friday, January 16, 2026 |
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Tip |
9:30 pm ET |
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The TV |
ESPN |
Timberwolves vs Rockets latest injury
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