So, you’re looking to find out who does the Timberwolves play next? It’s a valid question, especially with how this season is swinging. After absolutely dismantling the Milwaukee Bucks 139–106 on Tuesday night—and doing it without Anthony Edwards or Rudy Gobert, mind you—the vibes in Minneapolis are sky-high.
The Minnesota Timberwolves travel to Texas to face the Houston Rockets on Friday, January 16, 2026.
This isn't just another January road game. It’s a national TV showcase on ESPN. Tip-off is set for 8:30 PM CT (9:30 PM ET) at the Toyota Center. If you're planning to watch, you've got plenty of options. Beyond the national ESPN broadcast, local fans can catch it on FanDuel Sports Network North, and it'll be streaming on the ESPN app and NBA League Pass for the out-of-market crowd.
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Why This Rockets Matchup Actually Matters
Honestly, the Rockets aren't the bottom-feeders they used to be a few years back. They play a fast, chaotic brand of basketball that can catch teams sleeping. For Minnesota, this game is the front end of a brutal back-to-back. After they finish up in Houston, they have to hop a plane immediately to play the San Antonio Spurs the very next night.
You’ve gotta look at the injury report here. Anthony Edwards sat out the Bucks game for "right foot injury maintenance." Basically, they gave the superstar a breather. He’s expected to be back for Friday. Then there’s Rudy Gobert. He missed the last game due to a league-mandated suspension. With those two back in the mix alongside Julius Randle—who just dropped 29 points on Milwaukee—the Wolves are looking like a problem for the Western Conference.
The Rockets usually try to push the pace. Minnesota, on the other hand, prefers to use Gobert as a lighthouse in the paint to steer everything into their elite perimeter defenders like Jaden McDaniels.
The Road Ahead: Upcoming Timberwolves Schedule
If you’re trying to plan your life around the Wolves' schedule for the rest of January, the calendar is packed. After the Houston trip, the team spends a lot of time in the air.
- January 17 (Saturday): At San Antonio Spurs. This is the second night of the back-to-back. Expect tired legs and maybe some rotation "shenanigans" from coach Chris Finch.
- January 20 (Tuesday): At Utah Jazz. Salt Lake City is always a weird place to play, and the altitude is real.
- January 22 (Thursday): Chicago Bulls at Target Center. Finally, a home game. The Bulls have been inconsistent, but they usually play the Wolves tough.
- January 24 (Saturday): Golden State Warriors at Target Center. This is a massive 4:30 PM CT tip-off on ABC. If you want tickets, get them now because they’re going for $140+ on the secondary market.
Minnesota has been surprisingly dominant at home this year, but this upcoming road trip is where we see if they’re actually "contender" material or just a good regular-season team.
Is Anthony Edwards Playing?
That's the million-dollar question every night. As of now, the word is "maintenance." It doesn't seem like a structural injury, more like the staff being cautious with their $200 million asset during the mid-season grind. Keep an eye on the official NBA injury report about two hours before tip-off on Friday.
If Ant is a go, the Rockets don't really have a single defender who can stay in front of him without help. If he's out, expect more of the "Point Randle" offense we saw in Milwaukee, which worked surprisingly well thanks to Naz Reid's ability to stretch the floor as a starting center.
Actionable Tips for the Next Game
If you're heading to Houston or just watching from the couch, here is how to handle the who does the timberwolves play next situation like a pro:
- Check the Lineup Early: Since this is a 8:30 PM CT tip, the final "active" list usually drops around 6:00 PM. Check the beat writers on social media; they usually get the scoop before the official NBA apps.
- Watch the Spread: The Wolves opened as slight road favorites. However, if Gobert and Edwards are both confirmed in, that line is going to jump.
- Target Center Prep: If you're waiting for the January 22nd return to Minneapolis, keep in mind that the Bulls game is a 7:00 PM start. Security at Target Center has been a bit slower lately due to higher attendance, so give yourself an extra 20 minutes.
The West is a bloodbath this year. Every game against a mid-tier team like the Rockets is a "must-win" if the Wolves want to keep that top-four seeding and home-court advantage for the playoffs.