Denver Shouldn’t Have Chosen to Play the Wolves Over the Rockets

The debate over playoff seeding in the Western Conference intensified after the Denver Nuggets secured their position, prompting discussions about whether facing the Minnesota Timberwolves or the Houston Rockets would have been a more favorable matchup. As of April 24, 2026, recent game results and team performances provide clear insight into why the Nuggets may have preferred avoiding the Rockets.

Rockets’ Momentum vs. Timberwolves’ Inconsistency

The Houston Rockets entered the final stretch of the 2025-26 NBA season with remarkable stability, having won eight consecutive games against elite competition including the New York Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns and Philadelphia 76ers. This surge positioned them to challenge for a top-four seed in the West, with their record tying the Los Angeles Lakers, though Los Angeles held the tiebreaker.

In contrast, the Minnesota Timberwolves showed signs of fatigue and strategic resting down the stretch. Key players such as Rudy Gobert, Julius Randle, and Naz Reid were frequently listed as out or questionable due to injury maintenance or rest, undermining their consistency. Anthony Edwards, while returning from a prolonged absence, was still regaining form after missing 10 of the previous 12 games.

Head-to-Head Evidence: Rockets Push Wolves to the Limit

The most direct comparison came on April 10, 2026, when the Rockets faced the Timberwolves in a tightly contested game. Despite Minnesota being undermanned—resting Gobert, Randle, Reid, and Bones Hyland—the Rockets pushed them to the brink, falling just short in a 136-132 loss. Anthony Edwards delivered a strong performance off the bench, but the Rockets’ balanced attack, led by timely contributions from role players, kept them competitive throughout.

Notably, the game’s outcome had significant playoff implications: as the Timberwolves secured their win, the Denver Nuggets won their own game midway through, officially eliminating the Rockets’ chances of catching Denver for the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference.

Why the Rockets Were the Tougher Matchup

The Rockets’ late-season surge was built on defensive cohesion and offensive balance. With Steven Adams sidelined due to left ankle surgery and Fred VanVleet recovering from ACL repair, Houston still managed to win through contributions from lesser-heralded players, showcasing depth and resilience. Their ability to win without star power made them a dangerous postseason opponent.

Meanwhile, the Timberwolves, despite having star power in Edwards and Gobert when healthy, struggled with availability and rhythm. Their reliance on a few key contributors left them vulnerable when those players were rested or injured—a trend evident in their late-season lineup decisions.

Given the Rockets’ recent form, head-to-head competitiveness, and the Timberwolves’ inconsistency, the argument that Denver would have preferred facing Minnesota over Houston lacks merit. The Rockets’ eight-game winning streak and ability to compete with top-tier teams made them a more formidable playoff threat than a Timberwolves squad managing injuries and rest down the stretch.