The looming matchup between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Houston Rockets is notable because of the possibility that the two teams soon butt heads in the opening round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. Minnesota is locked in to the No. 6 seed in the West, while Houston is one game back of the No. 3 seeded Denver Nuggets with two games left to play.
Considering the Rockets have so much more to play for on Friday, though, expect them to be the harder-playing team and beat the Timberwolves handily at Toyota Center.
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Records, standing, and streaks
Apr 7, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) reacts against the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
At present, the Rockets have a 51-29 record and eight-game winning streak, which puts them in the Western Conference standings’ fifth-place slot.
The Timberwolves are the owners of a 47-33 record, good enough for sixth in the Eastern Conference.
What happened in the last game for each team?
Apr 7, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) celebrates a shot by guard Amen Thompson (center) against the Phoenix Suns in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Houston came out on top over the Philadelphia 76ers (113-102) at home.
Minnesota lost to the Orlando Magic (132-120) on the road.
Injuries
Feb 25, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Fred Vanvleet (right) talks with forward Kevin Durant on the bench during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
For Minnesota, Anthony Edwards (right knee injury maintenance) is questionable, Naz Reid (right shoulder injury maintenance) is questionable, Rudy Gobert (rest) is out, Bones Hyland (right hip soreness) is out, Joe Ingles (personal reasons) is out and Julius Randle (right hand soreness) is out.
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For Houston, Fred VanVleet (ACL repair) is out, Steven Adams (left ankle surgery) is out and Tari Eason (illness) is questionable.
Probable starting lineups – Houston
Jan 31, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) celebrates with guard Josh Okogie (20) after a play during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Probable starting lineups – Minnesota
Mar 31, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) and guard Reed Sheppard (15) react after a play during the third quarter against the New York Knicks at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Here’s when you should tune in to see the game:
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Rockets vs. Timberwolves: Stream, lineups, injury reports and more