Convenience Big Store: It's the Astros vs. old friend Carlos Correa as playoff matchup set

Today's starting lineup

For the second straight year, the Astros will begin the playoffs facing a team that won its first playoff round in 21 years. Last year, it was Seattle. This year, it's Minnesota — led by former Houston star Carlos Correa — coming to Minute Maid Park for Saturday's Game 1 of the American League Division Series.

Consecutive wins have Texans fans downright giddy. Beat writer Jonathan M. Alexander answers their questions in his weekly mailbag. The injury-riddled squad did get a boost Wednesday with seven injured players returning to practice.

The veteran trio of Jeff Green, Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks not only brings skills on the court but valuable leadership off the floor. Aaron Holiday, the only sibling in his family without an NBA championship ring, is open to any role with the Rockets. VanVleet had gift bags waiting in his teammates' lockers this week. There was a purpose behind it.

A month into the football season, the negatives heavily outweigh the positives as UH hits its open date.

Montreal's goal in stoppage time forces the Dynamo to settle for a tie on the road.

The Simone Biles-led Team USA overcomes some adversity to win the world gymnastics championship.

Week 7 of high school football kicks off tonight. Here are some games to watch around the Houston area.

Stat of the day: 4. All-time playoff matchups between Houston and Minnesota teams, all won by Houston (Aeros, Rockets twice and Astros).

Greg Rajan, Texas Sports Nation editor

greg.rajan@houstonchronicle.com

Astros / MLB Playoffs

Houston Astros Jose Altuve (27) is tagged out at second base by Minnesota Twins shortstop Carlos Correa (4) after he tried to stretch his single into a double during the third inning of an MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022 in Houston.

Photo by: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer

Playoff reunion

The Astros will face the Twins, a playoff series winner for the first time in 21 years, and old friend Carlos Correa in the ALDS beginning Saturday.

Rangers 7, Rays 1: Texas routed punchless Tampa Bay to finish a two-game sweep and advance to the ALDS against Baltimore.
Twins 2, Blue Jays 0: Minnesota swept Toronto for its first playoff series victory since 2002, setting up an ALDS date with the Astros.
Phillies 7, Marlins 1: Philadelphia finishes off Florida to set up an NL Division Series rematch against Atlanta.
Diamondbacks 5, Brewers 2: Two years after suffering through a 110-loss season, Arizona will face the Dodgers in the NLDS after sweeping NL Central winner Milwaukee.
On the menu: Minute Maid Park and Aramark will offer three new food items and two alcoholic drinks for the Astros' playoff games.

Texans / NFL

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz (86) high fives quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) as he celebrates his touchdown reception again the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, in Houston.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer

What is their ceiling?

Beat writer Jonathan M. Alexander answers Texans fans' questions as optimism is high after consecutive victories, including the first home win in nearly two years.

On the mend: The Texans got some relief Wednesday as seven players who'd been sidelined by various injuries returned to practice.

Rockets / NBA

Houston Rockets Jeff Green (32) poses for photo on media day at the Toyota Center on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023 in Houston.

Photo by: Elizabeth Conley, Staff Photographer

Veterans carry the day

The Rockets' new veteran trio of Jeff Green, Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks is a welcome addition for skills on the court as well as leadership to younger players.

Brother act: Sixth-year vet Aaron Holiday, whose siblings Jrue and Justin own championship rings, cast his lot with the Rockets because he wanted to play for Ime Udoka.
Extreme makeover: The Rockets had one of the lowest-rated defenses in the NBA last season using few schemes. The latter is likely to change this season.
Generosity with purpose: The gift bags Fred VanVleet left for his new Rockets teammates had a strategy behind them as the team looks to take the next step from a multi-year rebuild.

College Football

Photo by: Eric Christian Smith, Associated Press

Playbook lacks silver linings

As UH takes its open date this week, the negatives outweigh the positives during the season's first month.

Big 12 power rankings: This week's Big 12 rankings see UH plunge into the cellar while the top two teams will face off Saturday at the Cotton Bowl.

Dynamo / MLS

CF Montreal forward Chinonso Offor, left, and Houston Dynamo midfielder Luis Caicedo vie for the ball during the first half of an MLS soccer match Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023, in Montreal. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)

Photo by: Christinne Muschi, AP

FIt to be tied

A stoppage-time goal helped CF Montreal tie the Dynamo on Wednesday night in Quebec.

Gymnastics

Photo by: Geert Vanden Wijngaert, Associated Press

Still the best

Even with a few wobbles by Simone Biles and after WCC athlete Joscelyn Roberson injured her ankle in warmups, the U.S. team takes the world title.

High School Football

Clear Falls takes the field before the game against Lamar at Challenger Columbia Stadium, Thursday, Sep. 7, 2023 in Webster.

Photo by: Kirk Sides, Staff Photographer

Week 7: Games to watch

Check out our breakdown and predictions for some of the biggest games around the Houston area this week.

Making up for lost time: Dual-threat senior QB Jordan Reaves, whose past two seasons were shortened by injuries, has Lamar off to a 6-0 start.
Eyeing a title: Waltrip is in the hunt for the District 9-5A Division I title despite a late coaching change in the offseason and graduating more than 20 seniors from last season.