James Harden was simply phenomenal in the series opener, as he led the Houston Rockets to a win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Will Harden just be as effective in Game 2 and show the Rockets the way to another victory? Or will Minnesota prevent the Rockets from going up 2-0 in the series?
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Betting Preview for Minnesota Timberwolves vs Houston Rockets NBA Western Conference Round 1 Game 2 on April 18, 2018
Where: Toyota Center
When: Wednesday, April 18, 2018, 9:30 PM EST
Line: Minnesota Timberwolves (spread) vs Houston Rockets (spread) – view all NBA lines
TV Broadcast: TNT
Betting on the Minnesota Timberwolves (+10.5)
Although the Timberwolves were defeated by Houston in Game 1, 104-101, they should still be liking their chances, considering that they only lost by one possession, easily covering their seven-point spread as an underdog, despite the subpar performance from big man Karl-Anthony Towns. Towns finished with only eight points to go with 12 rebounds. Timberwolves head coach Tom Thibodeau said he wanted Towns to be “more active” in Game 2, so we’ll see if the young biggie will answer the call this Wednesday. Towns finished the regular season averaging 21.3 points and 12.3 rebounds per game. One good thing the Timberwolves did in Game 1 was swing the ball around, as they had 22 assists compared to 15 by Houston. They have to be careful on committing turnovers, however, as they had 14 on Sunday.
The Timberwolves are 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall.
Betting on the Houston Rockets (-10.5)
James Harden, James Harden, and plenty more of James Harden. That seemed to be what the Rockets did in Game 1, as Harden poured in 44 points on 15-for-26 shooting from the field despite being guarded often by Minnesota’s Jimmy Butler, one of the premier defensive guards in the NBA today. Harden’s performance masked the underwhelming showing of Chris Paul, who had 14 points and just three rebounds and four assists. Clint Capela was also a big factor, as he score 24 points while also establishing the Rockets inside dominance early in the series. In Game 1, Houston outscored the Timberwolves in the paint, 54-44. The Rockets also had 10 three-pointers, while Minnesota had eight. The Rockets’ offense got the better of Minnesota’s defense, and Houston plans to keep it that way this coming Wednesday.
Houston is 4-1 ATS in its last five games against the Timberwolves.
Writer’s Prediction
Minnesota upsets Houston with a big Game 2 win, 110-107. You’re going to want to bet on this one.
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