Timberwolves vs Rockets: Houston Looks to Stay Hot Without Anthony Edwards

The Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves meet in an NBA game that has drawn strong search interest, with Houston arriving at 7-1 and Minnesota at 5-3. Minnesota is without star guard Anthony Edwards, who is recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and is expected to be out for about two months. The matchup is a test of how well the Timberwolves can function without their leading scorer and how far the Rockets' early form can carry them.

Timberwolves adjust to life without Edwards

Minnesota has leaned on LaMelo Ball as its main creator while Edwards sits. The Timberwolves have gone 2-2 without him this season, with losses to Golden State and San Antonio and wins over Milwaukee and the Los Angeles Clippers. One preview noted that those two wins came against teams widely expected to struggle this season.

Rudy Gobert has been a concern. He is averaging 7.4 points per game, and one analyst said he needs to score more with Edwards out, while still collecting rebounds. Jaden McDaniels is seen by one preview as having taken a bigger role, which could help cover the gap during Edwards' absence.

Rockets rely on Durant, Sengun and a deep bench

Houston has been one of the early surprises, and Kevin Durant remains the primary scorer. One analyst said the team seemed to be settling into its offense, with Fred VanVleet's return making the attack more efficient. The bench includes Marcus Smart, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Steven Adams, although Adams is out for this game.

Alperen Sengun has been a major contributor, averaging 23.3 points, 8.7 rebounds and 7.8 assists, according to Fox News. Houston is 6-0 this season when he plays. Foul trouble and defense remain issues for him, the same analyst noted.

Recent history between the teams

The two sides split a close series last season, with the three games ending in a combined score of 350-351. Houston won one game by five points, and the largest margin in the series was that single Houston win. Two losses came late in the season, and one of them went to overtime after a 15-0 Minnesota run in the extra period, according to The Dream Shake.

Jonathan Kuminga has been playing well for Minnesota this season, and one preview expects a strong performance from him against Houston. Analysts also differ on the outlook. One Fox News commentator favored Houston by 7.5 points, while The Dream Shake pointed to the Timberwolves' new Edwards-less pairing as a work in progress.

What we know so far

Houston enters as the stronger early-season side on its record, while Minnesota is working through a lengthy absence of its top scorer. Ball's role, Gobert's production and whether Houston's depth can contain Minnesota's guards will likely shape the result. Tip-off details and the final injury report should be checked before the game.

Note: the Rockets' and Timberwolves' matchup was described in several previews, but final lineups were not confirmed in the reports reviewed.