With the No. 1 seed Houston Rockets threatening to take a commanding 3-0 series lead, the Minnesota Timberwolves defended home court. Minnesota won their Saturday-night matchup, 121-105, to make their first-round Western Conference playoffs series 2-1.
Houston was a five-point favorite, so the Rockets failed to cover the spread. Additionally, the game went over the Over/Under (O/U) of 214.5 points.
Odds for Game Four will be released shortly at the BetDSI Sportsbook. We anticipate the line will be very narrow, but the Rockets will likely be slight favorites despite Minnesota’s win and home-court advantage.
Jimmy Butler, who returned from injury just in time for the playoffs, led the Timberwolves with 28 points and seven rebounds. Jeff Teague added 23 points and eight assists. The much-maligned Andrew Wiggins posted a solid stat line of 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists.
James Harden, the likely MVP winner, put together a solid outing in defeated. He totaled 29 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. Chris Paul added 17 points, three rebounds, and six assists for the Rockets, while Eric Gordon came off the bench to chip in 15 points.
James Harden WITH AUTHORITY! 🤭🔨#Rockets pic.twitter.com/uh5waLlZVG
— NBA (@NBA) April 22, 2018
The Rockets beat the Timberwolves 102-82 in Game Two and dominated both of the first two games of the series. Houston, which finished the regular season with the best record in the NBA, never found its rhythm Saturday.
It Was Close Early
Houston held a slight advantage at the end of the first quarter, 28-27. Minnesota regained the lead in the second and entered the half leading by one.
The third quarter was the big difference-maker. In the third, Minnesota outscored Houston 35-24. The Timberwolves pulled away in the fourth to seal the win.
The game was broadcast on ESPN.
Game Four of this series is slated for Monday at 8 p.m. EST. That game will air on TNT.
