The Houston Rockets have larger goals beyond simply getting out of the first round of the playoffs, but this is the first step. Houston will have a chance to close out the Minnesota Timberwolves and advance to the Western Conference Semifinals with a win in Game 5.
The Rockets are the more talented team and have the home court advantage so they will be the heavy favorites to close out the series. Even with a loss Houston would still be the overwhelming favorite to capture the series, but it doesn’t want to make a trip back to Minnesota for a Game 6.
The Timberwolves will need to play really well defensively and have all of their stars show up in order to have a chance at the upset. It will certainly be an uphill battle in NBA basketball wagering.
Game 5 of this NBA Playoff Series is on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 at 9:30 p.m. ET at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. The contest will be nationally televised on TNT.
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Odds Analysis
The Rockets are listed as 11.5-point favorites to win Game 5, so clearly the oddsmakers don’t believe the T-Wolves will give them too much trouble in this clinching scenario. The betting public does not see the spread as too high as most of the early money is on the Rockets to cover.
The scoring total is listed at 219 points as both teams are high-scoring, although most of the games this series have been lower-scoring than that. The moneyline for this contest has not yet been released but Houston will undoubtedly be the heavy favorite to take care of business in Game 5 and move on to the second round of the postseason.
Last Time Out
The Rockets and T-Wolves were battling a close one at halftime, until Houston turned on the after-burners. The Rockets scored a ridiculous 50 points in the third quarter to blow the game wide open and cruised to a 119-100 victory. Superstar James Harden had a poor first half but then scored 22 in the third quarter on his way to 36 points.
The T-Wolves actually shot better than the Rockets from the field but turned the ball over 17 times while Houston lost it only seven times. Karl-Anthony Towns had a nice game for Minnesota with 22 points and 15 rebounds but he did not get nearly enough help.
Houston showed its explosiveness with the dynamite third quarter as it has a fifth gear that only the Golden State Warriors can match in the NBA.
Player To Watch
Derrick Rose -- The former league MVP has been a shell of his former self for years because of numerous knee injuries. However, Rose has put together an impressive series off the bench. He has scored 16 or more points in three of the four games and is shooting better than 50 percent from the field.
The T-Wolves have gone small at times to match up with Houston, using Rose in place of forward Taj Gibson. Rose played 32 minutes in Game 4 and contributed 17 points, six rebounds and four assists.
He needs to have another big game in order to help the Timberwolves stay close in Game 5.
Free NBA ATS Picks
The Rockets are not going to be stopped in Game 5, as they have more talent as well as the home court advantage. Take Houston to win this game and clinch a spot in the Western Conference Semifinals. However, look for the Timberwolves to hang around in this one as they won’t go down easily.
Minnesota is the choice to cover this spread. Take the “over” as the Timberwolves should score enough to help push the one above the total in NBA basketball wagering.
NBA ATS Pick: Rockets 115, Timberwolves 107
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