Jan. 16, 2026, 2:26 p.m. CT

Two of the premier teams the Western Conference has to offer — the Houston Rockets and the Minnesota Timberwolves — are set to do battle in a nationally-televised bout on this Friday (Jan. 16) night as they play host to the Wolves in their home arena of Toyota Center.

Minnesota marks another tough test for Houston as of late, and in a star-driven league, the Rockets will need big games from both forward Kevin Durant and big man Alperen Sengun to come out on top on for this tilt. Anything less than a 25-point performance from Durant and near triple-double from Sengun won’t cut it.

Records, standing, and streaks

At present, the Rockets have a 23-15 record, which puts them in the Western Conference standings’ sixth-place slot.

Dec 27, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) drives with the ball as Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) defends during the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

The Timberwolves are the owners of a 27-14 record and two-game winning streak, good enough for fourth in the Western Conference.

Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!What happened in the last game for each team?

Houston lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder (111-91) at home.

Dec 27, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson (1) warms up before a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Minnesota beat the Milwaukee Bucks (139-106) on the road.

Injuries

For Minnesota, Anthony Edwards (right foot injury maintenance) is out and Terrence Shannon Jr. (left foot — abductor hallucis strain) is out.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 27: Fred VanVleet #5 of the Houston Rockets reacts against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half at Toyota Center on December 27, 2024 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

For Houston, Tari Eason (right ankle sprain) is questionable and Fred VanVleet (ACL repair) is out. 

Probable starting lineups – Houston

Amen ThompsonJosh OkogieKevin DurantJabari Smith Jr.Alperen SengunFeb 6, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) celebrates after hitting his 1,000th career three-point basket during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Target Center. Edwards broke the record for the youngest player in NBA history to reach 1,000 career three-point baskets. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn ImagesProbable starting lineups – MinnesotaMike ConleyDonte DiVincenzoJaden McDanielsJulius RandleRudy GobertHere’s when you should tune in to see the game:Date: Jan. 16, 2026Time: 8:30 p.m. CT TV Channel: ESPNLive Stream: Fubo (watch for free)