After a series of challenges that saw the Western powers battle it out, the NBA opens on Saturday with a match full of competitive tension. THE Houston Rocketsreturning from a complicated period with 5 defeats in the last 7 games, host i at the Toyota Center Minnesota Timberwolves. The hosts must react immediately after seeing their run of seven consecutive home victories ended. The challenge, scheduled at 03:30 Italianrepresents the fulcrum of our in-depth analysis of the day.
Houston Rockets (23-15) – Minnesota Timberwolves (27-14)
THE CHALLENGE IN NUMBERS: Houston comes into this game with a 23-15 record, resting its foundation on a defense that allows only 110.8 points per game (3rd best in the NBA). Offensively, the Rockets score on average 117.2 points and dominate under the scoreboards, being first in the league for total rebounds (49.4) and offensive rebounds (16.5). However, their shooting percentages have dropped dramatically in the last period: against OKC they shot just 33.7% from the field and a paltry 29.2% from three-point range.
On the other hand, Minnesota boasts a 27-14 record and an offense of 120.3 points average (4th in the league). The Timberwolves are very efficient from the field (48,6%) and dangerous from the bow col 37,4%. Coach Finch’s team captures 44.8 rebounds per game and distributes 26.6 assists, but will have to deal with very heavy absences. Despite the defections, Minnesota arrives galvanized by the crushing victory over Milwaukee (139-106), where it demonstrated that it can draw deeply from its rotation.
ANALYSES: The match promises to be a battle of styles. The Rockets will focus on physicality and rebound control to compensate for the recent wet shooting conditions. Minnesota, although favored by the record, is in full emergency: Anthony Edwards e Rudy Gobert they won’t be in the game. Houston has the obligation to take advantage of these absences to reverse the negative trend, but will have to watch out for the verve of rookie Joan Beringer and Julius Randle, protagonists of the Wolves’ latest success.
The other races
Philadelphia 76ers – Cleveland Cavaliers (ore 01:00)
Indiana Pacers – New Orleans Pelicans (ore 01:00)
Toronto Raptors – LA Clippers (ore 01:30)
Brooklyn Nets – Chicago Bulls (ore 01:30)
Sacramento Kings – Washington Wizards (ore 04:00)
Dallas Mavericks – Utah Jazz (ore 23:00)
