Rockets Edge Timberwolves in Close Contest
Friday, January 16, 2026, 9:30 PM ET · Toyota Center (Houston)
Houston Rockets 110, Minnesota Timberwolves 105, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Minnesota Timberwolves vs Houston Rockets?
Houston Rockets beat Minnesota Timberwolves 110-105 at Toyota Center (Houston) on January 16, 2026.
Who was favored in Minnesota Timberwolves vs Houston Rockets?
Houston Rockets were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -162 (about 62% implied). The favorite won.
The Houston Rockets narrowly defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 110-105 in a tightly contested game at the Toyota Center. This victory not only extends the Rockets' lead in the season series against the Timberwolves to 2-0 but also showcases their resilience amidst a challenging stretch of games. Houston now holds a 24-15 record, while Minnesota's record stands at 27-15.
In terms of recent form, the Rockets have struggled somewhat, posting a 5-5 record over their last ten games. They are currently on a one-game losing streak, having lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder 91-111 just prior to this matchup. Houston's scoring average during this stretch is 108.2 points per game, while they have allowed an average of 107.1 points. At home, they have performed better, with a 4-1 record, but their away performance has been less impressive, standing at 1-4. In their last five games, they have averaged just 103.0 points scored and 109.8 points allowed.
Conversely, the Timberwolves have been in better form, winning seven of their last ten games and currently riding a two-game winning streak. Their latest victory came against the Milwaukee Bucks, where they won decisively 139-106. Minnesota's scoring average over their last ten games is 124.1 points, with an average of 115.1 points allowed. They have also performed well on the road, holding a 4-2 record away from home.
Historically, this matchup has been competitive, with the series record now at 2-2 over the last four meetings. In their previous encounters this season, the Rockets won 121-115 at home on February 22, while the Timberwolves won 127-114 in Houston on February 7. The close nature of these games suggests that both teams are well-matched, making each encounter significant.
In terms of injuries, the Rockets are dealing with several key players listed as day-to-day, including Kevin Durant (ankle), Fred VanVleet (knee), and Steven Adams (ankle). The Timberwolves, meanwhile, are missing Donte DiVincenzo, who is out due to an Achilles injury. The absence of these players could impact both teams' performance and strategies moving forward.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Rockets favored by 3.5 points, with a total set at 221.5. The odds reflect the competitive nature of this matchup, with both teams capable of putting up significant points. The home moneyline for the Rockets was set at -162.0, while the Timberwolves' moneyline was at 136.0.
Conditions for the game were typical for an indoor basketball matchup, with no external factors affecting play. Fans were treated to an exciting atmosphere, as both teams fought hard for the win.
As the game unfolded, viewers were able to witness pivotal scoring plays in the fourth quarter, including crucial free throws from Kevin Durant that helped seal the Rockets' victory. The final moments were tense, with the Timberwolves making a late push, but ultimately falling short.
This matchup highlighted the Rockets' ability to perform under pressure, while the Timberwolves will look to bounce back in their next outing. The close scoreline indicates that both teams are likely to continue to be competitive in their upcoming games.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | HOU -3.5 | 221.5 o -110 / u -110 | Minnesota Timberwolves +136 · Houston Rockets -162 |
Injury report
- Kevin DurantDay-To-DayAnkleHouston Rockets
- Fred VanVleetDay-To-DayKneeHouston Rockets
- Steven AdamsDay-To-DayAnkleHouston Rockets
- Donte DiVincenzoOutAchillesMinnesota Timberwolves
Leaders
- PointsKevin Durant39Houston Rockets
- AssistsKevin Durant7Houston Rockets
- ReboundsAlperen Sengun14Houston Rockets
- PointsJulius Randle39Minnesota Timberwolves
- AssistsBones Hyland5Minnesota Timberwolves
- ReboundsRudy Gobert13Minnesota Timberwolves
Recent form
Houston Rockets
Last 10: 5-5Streak L1108.2 scored · 107.1 allowed per game4-1 at home
- L91-111vs Oklahoma City ThunderJan 16
- W119-113vs Chicago BullsJan 14
- L98-111at Sacramento KingsJan 12
- L105-111at Portland Trail BlazersJan 10
- L102-103at Portland Trail BlazersJan 8
- W100-97vs Phoenix SunsJan 6
- L104-110at Dallas MavericksJan 4
- W120-96at Brooklyn NetsJan 1
- W126-119vs Indiana PacersDec 30
- W117-100vs Cleveland CavaliersDec 28
Minnesota Timberwolves
Last 10: 7-3Streak W2124.1 scored · 115.1 allowed per game4-2 away
- W139-106at Milwaukee BucksJan 14
- W104-103vs San Antonio SpursJan 12
- L134-146at Cleveland CavaliersJan 10
- W131-122vs Cleveland CavaliersJan 9
- W122-94vs Miami HeatJan 7
- W141-115at Washington WizardsJan 4
- W125-115at Miami HeatJan 3
- L102-126at Atlanta HawksDec 31
- W136-101at Chicago BullsDec 30
- L107-123vs Brooklyn NetsDec 28
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City | - | 18 | L2 | .780 | 64 |
| Denver | 10 | 28 | W12 | .659 | 54 |
| Minnesota | 15 | 33 | W2 | .598 | 49 |
| Portland | 22 | 40 | W2 | .512 | 42 |
| Utah | 42 | 60 | L1 | .268 | 22 |
| San Antonio | - | 20 | L1 | .756 | 62 |
| Houston | 10 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| New Orleans | 36 | 56 | L2 | .317 | 26 |
| Dallas | 36 | 56 | W1 | .317 | 26 |
| Memphis | 37 | 57 | L8 | .305 | 25 |
Box score
| Stat | Minnesota Timberwolves | Houston Rockets |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 37-80 | 39-84 |
| Field goal % | 46 | 46 |
| Three-pointers | 11-30 | 12-28 |
| Three-point % | 37 | 43 |
| Free throws | 20-35 | 20-34 |
| Free throw % | 57 | 59 |
| Rebounds | 45 | 42 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 33 | 32 |
| Assists | 21 | 19 |
| Steals | 7 | 10 |
| Blocks | 7 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 2 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 2 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 2 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 22 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 25 | 16 |
| Points in the paint | 42 | 50 |
| Fouls | 27 | 23 |
| Largest lead | 12 | 9 |
| Lead changes | 9 | 9 |
| Time in front | 68 | 28 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter76-74Kevin Durant makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter79-74Naz Reid makes 30-foot three pointer
- 3rd Quarter79-76Amen Thompson makes 6-foot driving floating jump shot
- 3rd Quarter79-77Kevin Durant makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter79-80Reed Sheppard makes 23-foot running jump shot (Jabari Smith Jr. assists)
- 3rd Quarter80-80Rudy Gobert makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter81-80Julius Randle makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter82-80Julius Randle makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter82-81Alperen Sengun makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter82-84Kevin Durant makes 27-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter84-84Rudy Gobert makes dunk
- 4th Quarter84-86Amen Thompson makes 2-foot dunk (Alperen Sengun assists)
- 4th Quarter85-86Mike Conley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter85-88Alperen Sengun makes 2-foot driving dunk
- 4th Quarter85-90Jabari Smith Jr. makes 3-foot running dunk (Kevin Durant assists)
- 4th Quarter85-92Kevin Durant makes 3-foot running dunk
- 4th Quarter85-93Kevin Durant makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter88-93Julius Randle makes 26-foot three point jumper (Bones Hyland assists)
- 4th Quarter88-94Kevin Durant makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter89-94Julius Randle makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter89-97Kevin Durant makes 30-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter91-97Jaden McDaniels makes driving layup (Bones Hyland assists)
- 4th Quarter91-100Jabari Smith Jr. makes 28-foot three point jumper (Amen Thompson assists)
- 4th Quarter93-100Bones Hyland makes driving layup (Donte DiVincenzo assists)
- 4th Quarter94-100Rudy Gobert makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter94-101Josh Okogie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter96-101Jaden McDaniels makes 13-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter96-103Alperen Sengun makes 2-foot dunk (Amen Thompson assists)
- 4th Quarter97-103Naz Reid makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter98-103Naz Reid makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter98-105Alperen Sengun makes 9-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter100-105Julius Randle makes layup (Naz Reid assists)
- 4th Quarter102-105Julius Randle makes 1-foot running dunk (Donte DiVincenzo assists)
- 4th Quarter103-105Jaden McDaniels makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter103-106Kevin Durant makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter103-107Kevin Durant makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter103-108Kevin Durant makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter103-109Kevin Durant makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter105-109Julius Randle makes 1-foot driving dunk (Naz Reid assists)
- 4th Quarter105-110Jabari Smith Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Houston Rockets, below favours Minnesota Timberwolves.
Venue
- Toyota Center (Houston)Houston, TX
- Attendance18055
- OfficialsEd Malloy, Brian Forte, JD Ralls
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