Rockets at Timberwolves
THE STORY: The Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves both head home for the summer following tonight's game at the Target Center. Houston has lost three of four after winning eight of its previous 10 games. Minnesota has lost 14 consecutive games and has surpassed Cleveland for the worst record in the league. Finishing behind a team that lost a league-record 26 straight games earlier this season would not be considered a sign of progress.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Houston, Fox Sports North
ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (17-64): It's a quandary for Minnesota fans. On one hand, a win means the Timberwolves won't end the season with a 15-game losing streak. On the other, a loss means Minnesota will finish the season with the NBA's worst record and will have the best chance at landing the No. 1 pick in the draft lottery. Of course, given the fact the Timberwolves have been playing so poorly and All-Star forward Kevin Love is done for the season with a groin injury, maybe Minnesota fans have stopped paying attention. No one could blame them. The Timberwolves haven't won since defeating Utah on March 11. The team showed some heart, but not much defense on Monday night before dropping a 135-127 overtime decision in Phoenix.
ABOUT THE ROCKETS (42-39): Houston will miss the playoffs for the second straight season. The Rockets can't dodge the injury bug. Yao Ming played in only five games after missing all of last season as he can't shake the leg and foot injuries that have put his career in jeopardy. Luis Scola and Kyle Lowry, the team's second and third leading scorers, are ending this season on the injured list, yet another blow to coach Rick Adelman's rotation. Although the Rockets are going on vacation, Adelman deserves praise for keeping the team above the .500 mark in the rugged Western Conference despite all the adversity. Kevin Martin leads Houston with a 23.4 point average.
WHO’S HOT/WHO’S NOT: Martin is averaging 27.1 points in his last six games. Minnesota's defense has definitely not been hot; the Timberwolves have allowed 37 3-pointers in the last two games.
KEY STATISTIC: While a lack of talent is unquestionably Minnesota's biggest issue, coach Kurt Rambis' future is in jeopardy. His 32-131 record (a .197 winning percentage) doesn't look good on a résumé.
SEASON SERIES: Houston has won two of the three games, including a 129-125 victory in Minnesota on Jan. 24. One of the Timberwolves' five road wins came in Houston, a 112-108 victory on Feb. 8.
KEY INJURIES: HOUSTON: G Kyle Lowry (foot); F Luis Scola (knee). MINNESOTA: F Kevin Love (groin): C Darko Milicic (ankle); G Sebastian Telfair (flu).
LAST WORD: Both teams will have a much different look next season. It's unclear whether Yao will attempt another comeback after missing nearly two full seasons. The Timberwolves are in for yet another housecleaning that may include a new coach and massive roster turnover.