Rockets at Timberwolves 4/23/18 - NBA Picks & Predictions

In the first game of a Monday night NBA on TNT playoff doubleheader, the Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves will play Game Four of their best-of-seven series. The top-seeded Rockets won a league best 65 games during the regular season and took the first two games of this series at home. On Saturday, Houston was outscored by 11 points during the third quarter of a 121-105 road loss. The Rockets connected on 15-for-41 from long range and only assisted on 18 of their 37 made field goals.

James Harden led all scorers with 29 points to go along with seven rebounds and seven assists. Chris Paul added 17 points and six assists, before fouling out in the fourth quarter. The Minnesota Timberwolves won 30 of their 41 home games during the regular season and showed they will be a tough out on their home floor in this series. On Saturday, the Rockets poured in 69 points during the second half to pull away. Minnesota shot a sizzling 15-for-27 from behind the three-point line and finished at 50 percent overall. The Timberwolves held a 55-49 advantage on the glass and assisted on 29 of their 45 made field goals.

All-Star G Jimmy Butler led five Minnesota players in double figures with 28 points and a plus 19 rating. Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 18 points and 16 rebounds for the Timberwolves.

Houston F Luc Mbah a Moute (shoulder) said that he will not rule out a return for round one of the playoffs.