Timberwolves vs. Rockets Game 1 updates and highlights
The Houston Rockets are the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference for the first time since the 16-team NBA playoff format was instituted in 1984, and they begin their title quest with a first-round matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves beginning Sunday night at the Toyota Center in Houston.
Houston was the only NBA team to reach 60 victories in the 2017-2018 season, going 65-17 for their best record in franchise history.
Chris Paul was the big addition for the Rockets last offseason, and in games that Paul, James Harden and Clint Capela played together this season Houston was a remarkable 42-3. Houston is once again a prolific offense under Mike D’Antoni, pacing the NBA at 114.7 points per 100 possessions, but their big leap this season came on defense.
The Rockets were 21st and 18th in defensive rating the last two seasons, but this year moved all the way up to sixth in the NBA, allowing 106.1 points per 100 possessions.
Houston faces a Timberwolves team full of expectations, but one that limped into the postseason, needing an overtime win on the season’s final day to punch their first playoff ticket in 14 years.
Houston beat Minnesota in all four regular season matchups, winning by an average of 16 points.
Rockets vs. Timerwolves Game 1 info
Location: Toyota Center, Houston
Game time: 9 p.m. ET
TV: TNT
Announcers: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Kristen Ledlow
Online streaming: Watch TNT