Timberwolves at Rockets
The Houston Rockets were showing signs of getting things together but
took a step backward in their last outing. Houston suffered a 122-106
home loss to the Los Angeles Clippers and will look to bounce back when
they host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday.
Houston had won four of five games before the defense fell apart and allowed 72 first-half points in Wednesday's loss to the Clippers. "We've been doing that all season long, consistently getting off to bad starts defensively, not playing until its desperation time," veteran guard Jason Terry told reporters, "and more times than not, you're going to lose." The Rockets badly need a victory over Minnesota with four of the following six games being on the road. The Timberwolves are 2-1 on a four-game road trip with the victories coming at Oklahoma City and Memphis.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), ROOT (Houston)
ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (22-46): Second-year guard Zach LaVine has scored 28 points in each of the past two games and matched his career high of six 3-pointers in Wednesday's 114-108 victory over the Grizzlies. The promising LaVine is 31-of-52 from the field over the last four games, including 11 3-point baskets, as Minnesota continues to thrive offensively in a three-guard alignment. "I've been shooting the ball well," LaVine told reporters. "Getting good shots, taking good shots I know I can make. I'm just trying to keep it rolling."
ABOUT THE ROCKETS (34-34): Consistency issues continue to plague the Rockets as they gave up 125 points to Charlotte on Saturday, 81 to Memphis on Monday and then 122 against the Clippers. "The intensity wasn't there," Houston interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff told reporters after Wednesday's defeat. "We just weren't on our toes; we weren't on our heels to start the game. We didn't come out with any force defensively. You give up 35 points and 37 points in two quarters of play against a very good team, coming back is going to be tough if not impossible." Guard James Harden had 33 points and eight assists and told reporters afterward that he "had a terrible game, offensively (and) defensively."
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The Rockets have won five straight meetings and nine of the past 10.
2. Harden is averaging 30.4 points and nine assists during Houston's five-game winning streak over the Timberwolves.
3. Minnesota rookie C Karl-Anthony Towns had 18 points and 10 rebounds against Memphis for his fourth double-double in five games.