The Minnesota Timberwolves will look for their second straight win when they face the Houston Rockets on Thursday night in Minneapolis.
Minnesota comes off a 127-108 victory against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday. Anthony Edwards scored 49 points, including 30 in the second half, helping the Timberwolves end a two-game losing streak.
The win showed that the Timberwolves can still score without Julius Randle, their second-highest scorer this season. Randle is expected to miss at least two more weeks due to a right adductor strain.
Minnesota might get some help soon, as rookie Terrence Shannon Jr. has returned to practice after missing over a month due to a right foot sprain. He could be a strong candidate for more playing time in Randle’s absence.
Coach Chris Finch said, “He’s certainly on the fringe right now of getting into the rotation at any point. He plays with a lot of force (and) physicality, too, something that we need back in the lineup somehow with (Randle) out. I would say he’s extremely close. He’s ready to go. I think he’s kind of close to breaking through.”
Two other rookies, Rob Dillingham and Jaylen Clark, have earned more playing time recently. Clark, in particular, has impressed with his defensive play and hard-nosed approach.
The Rockets are trying to snap a four-game losing streak. Houston has lost to the Brooklyn Nets twice, and the New York Knicks and Memphis Grizzlies once each.
Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (NBA)Houston is also dealing with injuries to important players like Jabari Smith (hand) and Tari Eason (leg). Veteran guard Fred VanVleet missed Houston’s last game because of an ankle injury and could be out for another week or more.
VanVleet, 30, is averaging 14.6 points and 5.8 assists this season.
Houston coach Ime Udoka said he doesn’t want to use injuries as an excuse for the team’s struggles. He is looking for better defense, especially against Edwards.
After a 99-97 loss to the Nets on Tuesday, Udoka challenged his players’ competitiveness, saying, “Very soft and uncompetitive defensively. Just going at us 1-on-1, we’re complaining about offensive fouls, not boxing out, not doing our assignments. Even our supposed defenders got cooked (against the Nets).”
Thursday’s game will be the third of four regular-season meetings between the two teams. Houston won the first matchup 117-111 in overtime on Nov. 26 in Minneapolis. VanVleet led the Rockets with 27 points, and Alperen Sengun and Dillon Brooks scored 22 each.
Minnesota won 113-112 in the second game on Dec. 27 in Houston. Randle led the Timberwolves with 27 points, and Edwards added 24 points on 9-for-17 shooting.
