Wolves at Rockets (Jan. 23): Prediction, point spread, odds, best bet

After 13 straight losses and 18 in their past 19 games, the Houston Rockets (10-36) continue to own the NBA’s worst losing streak of the 2022-23 season. Monday offers another chance to end the losing streak.

Two of Houston’s near-misses in this woeful stretch came on Jan. 8 and Jan. 21 versus Minnesota. The Rockets led in the first half of both games before falling apart in the second half. Now, two days after that latest meeting, they have one more chance to finish the job.

If you’re looking to do last-minute betting research for Monday’s Timberwolves-Rockets game, you’re in luck! We’ll give you the latest point spread, money line odds and over/under number, as well as the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet at BetMGM.

The game starts at 7 p.m. Central and can be seen via AT&T SportsNet Southwest (in Houston markets) or on NBA League Pass.

Place your bets at BetMGM

The lines, courtesy of BetMGM

• Point spread: Timberwolves -5.5
• Money line: Timberwolves -210 / Rockets +170
• Over-under: 234.5

Timberwolves at Rockets injury report:

• Rockets: Kevin Porter Jr. out (left foot soreness), Jabari Smith Jr. questionable (right ankle sprain)
• Timberwolves: Karl Anthony-Towns out (right calf strain), Jordan McLaughlin out (left calf strain), Rudy Gobert questionable (right groin soreness), Taurean Prince illness (left ankle sprain), Bryn Forbes questionable (illness)

Advice and prediction

The Rockets are gradually trending in a more competitive direction. After finishing within double digits just twice (one coming versus this same Minnesota team) in the first 10 games of this losing streak, they’ve stayed within single digits in each of their last three games.

For the Rockets, the recent formula involves increased usage for second-year center Alperen Sengun. In his last five games, all of which have come without Kevin Porter Jr. (out, left foot soreness), Sengun is averaging 21 points, 11.4 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 1.8 blocks in 34.3 minutes per game on 69.8% shooting from the field.

However, it’s worth noting that Sengun’s strong showing Saturday versus the Timberwolves came with veteran big man Rudy Gobert sidelined by right groin soreness. Gobert is questionable to return Monday, which could make for a more difficult interior matchup.

It’s hard to make a pick with much conviction with Gobert’s status uncertain, but we’ll go with Sengun and the Rockets to maintain their recent trend of keeping games fairly competitive.

Prediction: Timberwolves 119, Rockets 115

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.