Rockets at Timberwolves
THE STORY: The Houston Rockets seek their seventh consecutive
victory and aim to continue their success in Minnesota when they visit
the rising Timberwolves on Monday. Houston shot a season-best 55.7
percent from the field while boosting its winning streak to six with a
105-102 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday. The last time
the Rockets won six straight was during the 2008-09 campaign. The
Rockets have won seven straight games in Minnesota but did lose at home
to the Timberwolves last season. Minnesota had won four of five games
prior to suffering a 108-98 to the Utah Jazz on Saturday. The
Timberwolves’ recent stretch of strong play began with the ascension of
rookie point guard Ricky Rubio to the starting lineup. Rubio had 17
points and 11 assists against the Jazz and is averaging 12.3 points and
9.0 assists in his six starts. Houston is 2-6 on the road.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, FS Houston, FS North (Minnesota)
ABOUT THE ROCKETS (9-7):
An unsung component in Houston’s recent success is veteran center
Samuel Dalembert, who is doing yeoman work as a defender and on the
offensive glass. Dalembert had a season-best six blocked shots against
San Antonio and is averaging 2.0. He recently grabbed nine offensive
rebounds in a victory over New Orleans and has 33 offensive boards
during the six-game winning streak. The 30-year-old Dalembert leads the
NBA in field-goal percentage (60.0) while averaging 9.0 points and 7.9
rebounds.
ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (7-9): All-Star forward
Kevin Love made big news Saturday – he failed to record a double-double
for the first time this season. Love had 15 points and eight rebounds
and made only 5 of 21 shots in his second-worst shooting game of the
season. Love’s poor showing came one night after he hit a game-winning
3-point basket against the Los Angeles Clippers. Love is averaging 24.1
points and 14.1 rebounds. Minnesota is facing a Wednesday deadline in
which to have Love accept a contract offer. Love will become a
restricted free agent after the season if he declines the offer.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Houston is 14-1 in its last 15 meetings with Minnesota.
2. Timberwolves guard J.J. Barea (ankle) has missed five of six games and listed as doubtful.
3. Rockets guard Kevin Martin has scored 25 or more points in four of the past five games.