The Rockets are hosting the Hornets on Thursday. On DraftKings Sportsbook, Houston is favored by 3.5 points and this game carries a total of 216.5 points.
Let’s dive into my preview and pick for the game.
Rockets vs. Hornets preview, prediction
After winning three straight, things went sideways for the Rockets last night. Houston hosted the Celtics and the Rockets were a 7.5-point favorite heading into this contest, given Boston was playing its second game in two nights and that Jaylen Brown, Sam Hauser and Anfernee Simons all were unavailable for the team. Despite being at full strength and on their home floor, the Rockets got embarrassed by the Celtics and lost this game 114-93. Boston led by as many as 29 points, and both Ime Udoka and Alperen Sengun were ejected late in this game due to frustration technical fouls. Houston was completely discombobulated in defeat, and this was a continuation of the team’s concerning recent play.
The Rockets sit fourth in the Western Conference at 31-18 this season, but in the new year, they are just 11-8 and rank 15th in net rating. Last night’s shocking loss to the less rested and shorthanded Celtics delivered a clear message that Houston is overrated relative to it’s record. This team has some real issues that need to be fixed if this club wants to contend for a championship in a few months.
Kevin Durant has been dealing with an ankle injury that has clearly affected him, as he has only scored 13 and 15 points, respectively, in his last two starts. Houston needs to get Durant back on track as soon as possible and the team’s best option may be to rest him tonight. Either way, with or without Durant, Thursday is going to be a much more difficult test vs. the Hornets than it has been years in the past. To make matters worse, the Rockets have struggled on the second night of back-to-backs this season with a 3-3 record.
Charlotte hasn’t played since Monday and after an on-brand, mediocre start to the season, the Hornets have taken the NBA by storm. Charlotte has won seven straight and, in the new year, the team is 12-6 and leads the entire NBA in net rating. During this time, the Hornets rank first in offensive rating, fourth in defensive rating and first in rebound rate. Second-year head coach Charles Lee has this group playing extremely inspiring basketball. LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Kon Knuepel have become a terrific scoring trio, and Moussa Diabate has been a strong contributor on both ends of the floor as Charlotte’s starting center.
In the midst of the team’s impressive play, the Hornets went out and traded for Coby White and Mike Conley yesterday, in exchange for Collin Sexton, Ousmane Dieng and three second-round picks. Sexton has had some solid moments off the bench for the Hornets this season, but White is a clear upgrade, and having a veteran like Conley in the locker room also should be beneficial for this young Charlotte team. Neither of those players will make their Hornets debut tonight, but with White operating as Charlotte’s sixth man going forward, this already ascending team should improve even further and keep climbing the standings, as the Hornets look to make the postseason for the first time since 2016.
Rockets vs. Hornets pick, best bet
After last night’s disaster vs. the Celtics, it’s hard to have confidence in the Rockets for this matchup. The Hornets have two extra days of rest in their favor and, not only has this team won seven straight, Charlotte has won six of it’s last eight on the road.
I love backing the Hornets to win this game with +130 ML odds and I would act fast on this wager, as this line could move in favor of Charlotte if Houston lists some key players as out or questionable when it releases it’s injury report this afternoon, given this is the team’s second game in two nights.
