5. Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Houston Rockets
Season Series: Houston 4-0
There will be no shortage of star power in this matchup, with Jimmy Butler now back in the fold for Minnesota. If Butler had not gotten hurt in an earlier game this season against Houston, the Wolves would likely be hosting a first-round series.
But, as it is, their reward for breaking the franchise’s 13-year playoff drought is a date with the league’s best team. Both teams have plenty of firepower on offense, but the Wolves’ inability to provide any resistance will surely be their undoing against a historic offense lead by James Harden and Chris Paul.
Prediction: Rockets in 5