FIVE THINGS TO WATCH

Defensive execution and communication

1

The Rockets are painfully conscious of their poor defensive reputation, aptly earned in a series of abysmal performances. They have allowed an average of 124.2 points per game in their last six home losses. A crucial part of defense is communication, something Christian Wood pointed out the Rockets lacked in Friday’s 130-106 loss to Dallas. Rotation crunch

2

With the Rockets mostly healthy again, Stephen Silas’ decisions about how to divide playing time have become more complicated. Alperen Sengun, nursing a sprained ankle, is the only rotation player still out. Silas prioritizes cohesiveness, preferring to keep the Rockets’ first, second and third units consistent from practice to practice so they can develop familiarity within respective groups. Minnesota’s big three

3

Minnesota’s best games and highest-rated three-man and five-man lineups are the ones that include guard Patrick Beverley, who is questionable to play Sunday with groin soreness. The Rockets, however, will have their hands full even if Beverley does not play, channeling energy toward the three-headed monster of center Karl-Anthony Towns and guards D’Angelo Russell and Anthony Edwards.

Ball movement

4

The Mavericks had twice as many assists as the Rockets on Friday (34-17) and set a season high for assists by an opponent. That bodes poorly for the Rockets and well for the Timberwolves, who assist 60.8 percent of their field goals and play a similar offensive style to the Mavs with Towns ready to roll to the rim or launch from 3-point range.

Who finishes the game?

5

In a tight game against the Wizards, the Rockets stuck with their starters (Kevin Porter Jr., Jalen Green, Eric Gordon, Jae’Sean Tate and Wood) for the final few plays. Porter hit a game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer to hand Houston a 114-111 win. Against the Mavs, the Rockets played the final 7:30 with a lineup of Josh Christopher, Daishen Nix, Trevelin Queen, Armoni Brooks and David Nwaba. Aside from the Wizards game, the Rockets have not played in many close fourth quarters recently.

INJURY/STATUS REPORT

Rockets: Center Alperen Sengun (right ankle sprain) and center Usman Garuba (health and safety protocols) are out. Forward Garrison Mathews (left ankle sprain) is questionable.

Timberwolves: Forward Leandro Bolmaro (health and safety protocols) and guard McKinley Wright IV (G League two-way) are out. Guard Patrick Beverley (right groin soreness) is questionable.