Wolves Come Up Short In Houston

HOUSTON, TX -- The Minnesota Timberwolves, playing without three starters, could not stop James Harden and the Houston Rockets on Friday -- losing 120-110.

Harden, making a strong case for a Most Valuable Player award, helped the Rockets clinch a playoff berth by scoring a game-high 33 points.

Five other Rockets finished the game scoring in double figures.

Playing without Ricky Rubio, Kevin Martin, and Kevin Garnett, the Wolves were again led by rookie Andrew Wiggins -- who finished the game with 31 points.

Chase Budinger added 23 points off the bench for Minnesota and center Gorgui Dieng notched another double-double by scoring 18 and collecting 12 rebounds.

With the loss, the Wolves fall to 16-56 on the season. There are only 10 games remaining in this, the latest lost season for Minnesota.

The Timberwolves will travel to New Orleans to play the Pelicans tomorrow night.