Analyzing Friday’s Minnesota Timberwolves at Houston Rockets odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

Amid the Houston Rockets’ 48-point first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves over the weekend, the return of Jabari Smith Jr. — and more importantly, Ime Udoka’s utilization of the third-year big — was a reminder of his value.

Jalen Green scored 35 points, Alperen Sengun added 24 points and 13 rebounds and the Houston Rockets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 121-115 on Friday night. Green finished 12 of 24 from the floor and was 5 of 11 on 3-pointers.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards is listed as questionable on Friday night against the Houston Rockets due to right hip soreness. Edwards has only missed two games this season, but both have come this month.

There's a growing sentiment among Minnesota Timberwolves fans that head coach Chris Finch "hates" rookie Rob Dillingham -- and a heated moment between Finch and Dillingham during a loss to the Houston Rockets punctuated that talking point among fans.

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Jabari Smith Jr. returns for the Rockets, but the Timberwolves have Anthony Edwards, Mike Conley and Rudy Gobert on the injury report after the All-Star break.

Houston Rockets host the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Toyota Center in Houston. Minnesota is 31-25 and Houston is 34-21. The Rockets have slipped down to fourth in the West and the Timberwolves sit at seventh,

The No. 7 Minnesota Timberwolves are taking a trip down South to meet the No. 4 Houston Rockets for the fourth. The Timberwolves are 2-1 against the Rockets this year, dropping their first encounter,

On Friday night, the Houston Rockets will re-start their 2024-25 season post-All Star break. The team skidded into All-Star weekend, losing seven in 10 tries, falling a few spots in the West standings in the process.

All-Star center Alperen Sengun has had big numbers this season versus Minnesota (+3.5), and the Timberwolves could be without Rudy Gobert.

Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. had 15 points and nine rebounds in his return Friday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves after missing 22 games with a broken left hand.