Tim's Game Preview: Game 52, Houston Rockets

The great tradition of Houston Rocket big men continues with names like Chuck Hayes and Jordan Hill.

Minnesota Timberwolves (12-39) vs. Houston Rockets (25-28) at Toyota Center

The Wolves are coming off of a huge road win in New Orleans and travel West to play the Houston Rockets tonight. Unfortunately, injuries are the story with the Wolves right now and the team is likely to be even more shorthanded tonight than they were last night.

Michael Beasley and Darko Milicic will likely be out, joining Luke Ridnour and Martell Webster, who will also be sidelined (for different reasons) for the Timberwolves.

If there is any team - other than Portland - that knows about terrible injuries, its the Houston Rockets. Fortunately for the Wolves, Kevin Love is still going to be suited up tonight and will be able to carry the Wolves to victory.

Let's break down tonight's matchups:

Houston's Chuck Hayes playing his optimal position.

Nikola Pekovic vs. Chuck Hayes

It used to be said that if you could pick any NBA player to be on your side in a fight, Nikola Pekovic would be a wise choice. Now, it can be said that if you could pick any NBA player for a game of two-on-two basketball, Pekovic is also a wise choice. While Pek still has more fight than flight in him right now, which is likely accounting for his Gold'n'Plump-like fouling ability, he is learning how to play in the NBA.

With Darko questionable for tonight's game, Pekovic should get the start at center against Chuck Hayes. Chuck Hayes is to starting NBA centers what Anne Hathaway is to...starting NBA centers.  

Winner: Nikola Pekovic

Who would be scared of a taller version of Sasha Vujacic?

Kevin Love vs. Luis Scola

I know, in every game preview thus far with Houston, I've made some silly Russell Brand joke about Luis Scola. It's not my fault that the two looks pretty similar or that they're both incredibly annoying. The comparison basically writes itself. However, in the interest of diversity, I won't make any Russell Brand jokes this time around. Instead, I'll just say that whoever thinks that Luis Scola could outplay Kevin Love in any basketball game must be so brain dead that they enjoy comedy from Russell Brand.

Sorry, couldn't help myself.

Winner: Kevin Love

 Quit your whining, Shane. The rookie is going to make you look foolish tonight.

Wesley Johnson vs. Shane Battier

With Michael Beasley out with a leg injury, Wesley Johnson will get a chance to start at the 3 spot, which is where many fans believe Johnson is best suited to play. If Wes does play well at the 3, the Wolves' brass has a decision to make about the future of the position. Would you take Carmelo in his prime or Shawn Marionin his prime? That's bascially the decision that David Kahn will have to make in the next year or so.  

Shane Battier made a few lucky shots the last time the Rockets played us. But the sun even shines on a dog somedays. Tonight, the luck has run out and Battier is going to be just another Dukie who was not as good in the pros as he was in college. 

Winner: Wesley Johnson

 Don't get mad, Kevin. It's nothing personal. Corey Brewershuts down all of the opposing shooting guards. 

Corey Brewer vs. Kevin Martin

Here's one for the philosophy majors: Can you still call Kevin Martin a "shooting" guard given that his "shooting" is so ugly and terrible? I don't know the answer to that one but I do know that you can call Corey Brewer a shooting guard and a lockdown defender.

I hope all of the rumors surrounding Brewer turn out not to be true. Why are we going to give up our best perimeter defender for a guy who hasn't been able to get minutes on two fringe playoff teams? Why are we going to let Mr. Highlight Reel walk out the door for basically nothing but some empty potential? If you want more projects, go down to Michaels and paint me a picture of Corey Brewer dunking on Kevin Martin's head.

Winner: Corey Brewer

 Aaron Brooksis apparently unhappy with his role in Houston's offense. Enter Kyle Lowry... 

Jonny Flynn vs. Kyle Lowry

If you were Kyle Lowry, and someone told you that you had to play Jonny Flynn tonight, what would you do? Would you call up your financial advisor to make sure you had enough saved for retirement? Would you go put together a resume? Would you just stay in your house, board up the windows and starting eating from tin cans of tuna?

Jonny Flynn just outplayed Chris Paul. Can you imagine what he'll do to Lowry and Ish Smith tonight? Oof, it won't be pretty. If Aaron Brooks decides that he's good enough to play for the team, he'll get embarrassed, too. It doesn't matter. Put Bob Cousy against Jonny Flynn and he'd get embarrassed. Game over. 

Winner: Jonny Flynn

My Prediction: Timberwolves 89 - Houston Rockets 82

Timberwolves' Record: 13-40