Shorthanded Wolves Face a Hot Rockets Defense in Houston

By NBA Stat Desk How we produce articles

Minnesota's missing star and thin backcourt give a 6-1 Houston team the edge, even with the Rockets short up front.

MIN @ HOU Nov 5, 2026 at 1:30 AM UTC

The Timberwolves arrive in Houston without Anthony Edwards, who is out with a knee injury and has an estimated return of Dec. 21. That takes away Minnesota's top star against a Rockets team with the league's top early defense. Houston is 6-1, second in the West, and coming off a 119-98 win over Oklahoma City.

Minnesota's path now runs through its guards, and their availability is unsettled. LaMelo Ball was questionable with a wrist contusion, and Terrence Shannon Jr. has a hip issue. Ball is clearly important: he scored 24 with seven assists in a win over the Clippers, while Jaden McDaniels added 23 points, six rebounds and seven assists. The Wolves entered the week 4-3, and McDaniels leads them in scoring. If Ball is limited, even more playmaking falls on McDaniels. Donte DiVincenzo remains out after Achilles surgery. His surgeon says he is on or ahead of schedule, but that is a long-term note and does nothing for this game.

Houston has its own concerns up front. Steven Adams (calf/soleus) is out, and Clint Capela (ankle) is listed as out or questionable. Adams is one of the league's best offensive rebounders, so the Rockets' glass and interior are thinner than usual. Minnesota's best chance is to attack the boards and keep the game ugly. Alperen Sengun leads Houston in points, rebounds and assists, and he gives the Rockets a hub who can punish a depleted Minnesota defense and keep their offense organized.

Expect Minnesota to stay within reach early on effort and McDaniels' production. But without Edwards, and with its backcourt in question, it will struggle to score consistently against Houston's defense. I like the Rockets to pull away late.

Prediction: Rockets 111, Timberwolves 100.

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