Houston’s No. 1 Rockets Put Edwards-less Minnesota Under Pressure

Houston hosts Minnesota Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 8:30 p.m. ET, with the league’s No. 1 power-index team looking to protect its 4-0 home record against a 5-3 opponent ranked eighth. The Rockets are averaging 119.25 points and allowing 106.375 per game; the Timberwolves score 119 and allow 107.625, making execution on both ends the separator in a closely matched scoring profile. Minnesota will be without Anthony Edwards, who scored 133 points in four games, while LaMelo Ball brings 47 assists but also 29 turnovers into the matchup. The frontcourt battle looms large: Alperen Sengun has 140 points and 47 assists in six games, while Rudy Gobert has pulled down 83 rebounds in seven. Houston’s interior depth is also a factor with Steven Adams out and Clint Capela questionable, so controlling the glass and limiting mistakes could decide whether the Rockets turn their ranking into another home win.