Minnesota Timberwolves vs Houston Rockets Picks and Prediction for Wednesday November 4, 2026
The Minnesota Timberwolves will be on the road Wednesday night for a matchup against the Houston Rockets in Houston, Texas, inside Toyota Center. Minnesota enters the matchup 5-3, having won two of its last three overall, including a 12-point home win over Milwaukee in its last outing. The Houston Rockets stay home Wednesday, 7-1 this season after winning four of their last five, including two in a row following a 16-point home victory over Boston. Houston comes into Wednesday as a -9.5 favorite and -345 on the money line. Minnesota is +276, and the total is set at 220.5. For more NBA news, see our NBA Picks.
Minnesota goes for their 3rd road win
The Minnesota Timberwolves offense averages 119 points on 47% shooting this season. Defensively, Minnesota is allowing 107.6 points per game, but they've given up an average of 122.3 points per game across their last three losses. LaMelo Ball is leading Minnesota this season, averaging 16.9 points and a team-high 5.9 assists per game. Anthony Edwards has averaged 33.3 points per game this season for the Timberwolves, but he has played just four times. Jaden McDaniels is averaging 16.8 points, and Ayo Dosunmu is fourth on the team, averaging 15.8 points per game. Big man Rudy Gobert is averaging 7.4 points, and he leads the way, pulling in 12 rebounds per game.
The Minnesota offense did the work in its last outing, pouring in 112 points, including 64 in the second half, on 43% shooting and 36% from beyond the arc. Defensively, Minnesota was phenomenal, giving up 100 points on 38% shooting. The Timberwolves won the rebounding battle by six and forced 17 turnovers in the win. LaMelo Ball led Minnesota against Milwaukee with 34 points on 21 shots.
Key Injury Report for Minnesota:
- Anthony Edwards (Out) – Dec 21
- Donte DiVincenzo (Out) – Apr 2
- Terrence Shannon Jr. (Day-to-Day) – Nov 4
Houston looks to stay perfect at home
The Houston Rockets offense has been phenomenal this season, averaging 119.3 points on 50% shooting. Defensively, Houston is allowing 106.4 points per game this season, and they've given up 100.25 points per game across their last four wins. Alperen Sengun is the offensive leader thus far this season for Houston, averaging 23.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 7.8 assists. Kevin Durant is second on the roster, averaging 20.8 points per game. Jabari Smith is averaging 18.4 points, and Amen Thompson is fourth on the team, averaging 16 points per game.
Offensively, Houston was the better team in its last outing, scoring 109 points on 54% shooting and 40% from beyond the arc. Defensively, Houston was dominant, giving up only 93 points on 39% shooting. The Rockets pulled in 36 rebounds and forced 16 turnovers in the win. Alperen Sengun led the Houston offense last time out with 26 points and 7 assists on 15 shots.
Key Injury Report for Houston:
- Steven Adams (Out) – Nov 9
- Clint Capela (Out). - Nov 4
Timberwolves vs Rockets Picks and Prediction
Pick: Houston Rockets -9.5
Houston has been one of the better teams in the NBA to start the season, and the Rockets have another favorable matchup Wednesday night. Minnesota has enough size to compete on the glass, but the absence of Anthony Edwards takes away its most dangerous offensive weapon. Houston has multiple scoring options, including Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun, who can create problems for Minnesota throughout the game. The Rockets have also been outstanding defensively, holding Oklahoma City and Boston below 100 points in consecutive games. Look for Houston to control this matchup at home and pull away in the second half.
Total: Under 220.5
Both teams have plenty of offensive talent, but Houston's recent defensive performances make the under an appealing option. The Rockets have allowed just 191 combined points across their last two games, and they should be able to slow down a Minnesota offense playing without its leading scorer. Houston can also control the pace by working through its half-court offense and limiting Minnesota's transition opportunities. The Timberwolves will need contributions from several players to keep pace, but consistent scoring could be difficult against this Houston defense. Expect a physical matchup with extended half-court possessions that keeps the combined score below the number.