Jonah Ballow
Wolves Editor/Writer
Contact

Scouting Report
The Rockets have found a way to stay afloat during another injury-riddled season. With a 30-20 record, Houston sits in the third spot of the Southwest Division. The team is searching for consistency, despite a roster littered with All-Star talent and one of the most imposing big-men in the league. Yao Ming, Tracy McGrady, and Ron Artest have played limited time on the court together but the Rockets hope to build cohesion in the second half of the season. Through 50 games, Houston ranks 19th in points scored and the team has struggled from the field by shooting 44.4 percent on the season. By holding opponents to 95.3 points a game, the Rockets are a solid defensive team that also ranks in the top 10 in rebounding.

Houston won the first matchup against Minnesota with a 109-102 victory at the Target Center on December 20. The Big Three of McGrady, Ming, and Artest combined for 60 points as the Rockets used a 31-point performance to snag the road win. Defensively, Minnesota could not stop the Houston offense that hit 52.7 percent from the field, 52.2 percent from the 3-point line, and the team connected on 90.5 percent of its free throw attempts. The Rockets relied on a big offensive outburst in the first half with 60 points and a nine-point lead heading to the locker room. The win lifted Houston to an 18-9 overall record while the Wolves fell to 4-22.

The Rockets were pleased with Aaron Brooks and his 18 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. Brooks replaced Rafer Alston in the first meeting but Alston is now back to consistent game minutes. Alston was a key member in last year's run to the playoffs and this season he averages 11.5 points a game. In comparison to 2007-08, Alston is not as dangerous, considering he is only shooting 33.7 percent from the 3-point line. Sebastian Telfair will look for a bounce back game after being held scoreless on 0-for-9 shooting against Atlanta on Wednesday night. At the shooting guard position, McGrady will square off against Randy Foye. McGrady owns a four-inch size advantage over Foye, which is nothing new for the Wolves guard. McGrady is trying to find his rhythm after being in and out of the lineup this year with injuries. Regardless of the dip in his numbers, McGrady is dangerous threat from the arc and taking opponents off the dribble. McGrady will also look to help establish Ming in the post and then he will search for his shot as a secondary option. The Wolves might try to switch their defensive lineup, similar to how they defended the Lakers. Kevin McHale placed Ryan Gomes on Kobe Bryant and tonight offers a similar opportunity to put Gomes on McGrady.

In the frontcourt, Ming is the focal point of the Houston offense. Ming was just voted to the All-Star squad for the Western Conference and he can dominate the paint. At 7-foot-6, Ming is tall task for any defender because of his extreme size. The center from China has improved on his game with the ability to face the basket and hit jump shots. Al Jefferson will have to play physical defense on Ming to make an attempt at stopping him on the offensive side of the floor. Jefferson was successful in the first meeting by scoring 34 points and made the highlight reel with two huge dunks over Ming. For the Wolves, Kevin Love replaced Craig Smith in the starting lineup on Wednesday night. Love was effective with 16 points and 14 rebounds. Minnesota will need a big night from its rookie to steal a road victory in Houston. Love’s rugged play in the paint will help the Wolves in their pursuit of winning the battle of the boards.

Minnesota takes a 17-31 record the Lone Star state tonight where the Rockets are 17-6 at home. After a strong January, the Wolves are just 1-2 this month and 5-5 in their last 10 games. A win tonight will provide some confidence for the team heading into the matchup tomorrow against New Orleans. Teams are starting to collapse on Jefferson, so the perimeter players will need to knock down shots to keep the defense honest. Off the bench, Mike Miller will be an important asset after scoring 17 points on Wednesday night. Tipoff set for 7:30 PM.

WHERE TO WATCH: KSTC-45

WHERE TO LISTEN: NBA.COM / KFAN 1130

WHERE TO FOLLOW: WOLVES GAMETIME

Projected Starters
Houston Rockets
Rafer Alston PPG: 15.1 RPG: 3.7 APG: 4.9		Tracy McGrady PPG: 16.0 RPG: 4.5 APG: 5.1		Shane Battier PPG: 6.7 RPG: 4.8 APG: 2.0		Luis Scola PPG: 12.2 RPG: 8.0 APG: 1.2		Yao Ming PPG: 19.8 RPG: 9.5 APG: 1.7
Minnesota Timberwolves
Sebastian Telfair PPG: 7.8 RPG: 1.8 APG: 4.4		Randy Foye PPG: 16.1 RPG: 3.3 APG: 4.8		Ryan Gomes PPG: 11.2 RPG: 4.4 APG: 1.6		Craig Smith PPG: 9.0 RPG: 3.5 APG: 1.3		Al Jefferson PPG: 22.8 RPG: 10.7 APG: 1.5