The NBA season continues with games on Monday. The Houston Rockets will hit the road and take on the Charlotte Hornets. It's time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Rockets-Hornets prediction and pick.
These two teams have been having different seasons. The Houston Rockets are 10-23 and have lost their last three games. While the Charlotte Hornets are 17-17 and are coming off a solid win. This should be an interesting battle.
Here are the odds for the Rockets-Hornets Monday night NBA matchup, courtesy of FanDuel.
NBA Odds: Rockets-Hornets Odds
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Houston Rockets: +7.5 (-114)
Charlotte Hornets: -7.5 (-106)
Over: 235 (-110)
Under: 235 (-110)
Why The Rockets Could Cover The Spread
The Houston Rockets have had a disappointing season thus far. Through their first 33 games they have a losing record with only 10 wins. They have lost their last three games, with their most recent loss coming by 12 against the Pacers. Houston will look to turn things around as they take on a vulnerable Hornets team. COVID has spread across the league and while both these teams have been impacted, neither of them have been devastated. This game will come down to who wants it more. Houston needs to start doing something different if they want to flip the script.
The Rockets loss to the Pacers came down to two things, shooting efficiency and rebounds. The Rockets took 8 less shots than the Pacers and made 11 less. This stark difference is the main reason for Houston's loss. However, when you take a step back it becomes clear that Indiana was able to put up more shots because they dominated the boards. Houston only had 28 rebounds throughout the entire game. This number is embarrassing, especially when compared the to Pacers 47 boards. If Houston wants to win on Monday they need to start getting some rebounds. If they can do that then they will at least be able to give the rest of their offense a shot at winning this game.
COVID will also play a huge role in the outcome of this game. As the virus has spread, teams have been devastated and have needed to bench much of the roster. Luckily the Rockets have been less impacted than other teams. With only two players in the league's health and safety protocols, injuries are actually more of a concern for Houston than COVID. Both Jalen Green (hamstring) and Kevin Porter Jr. (thigh) are questionable for Monday's contest. If they are healthy, both players will likely make a big impact for Houston.
Why The Charlotte Could Cover The Spread
Before injuries and COVID, this Charlotte team was making headlines. Now, after 34 games, they are dead even with 17 wins and 17 losses. The Hornets are coming off a solid win over the Denver Nuggets, taking them down 115-107, and will look to extend their win streak to two on Monday. COVID has definitely impacted this team, but Charlotte looks poised to persevere in this game. Thursday's match was definitely a battle and the Hornets will need to bring that same tenacity as they take on Houston. If they can manage to do that then they should have no problem dismantling the Rockets.
The Hornets and the Nuggets were dead even across the vast majority of metrics. However, Charlotte was able to pull ahead and win because of their free throws. Shooting, rebound, and assists were all essentially even for these two teams, but the Hornets were able to take and make more free throws than the Nuggets. Charlotte took 24 free throws compared to Denver's 17 and made 21 compared to 13. This 8 point difference directly accounts for Charlotte's 8 point victory. Their ability to get to the line and make their free throws at a high level of efficiency allows them to grind out tough wins like this one.
While COVID is impacting every team, Charlotte is lucky to only have two players in the league's health and safety protocols. However, they are unlucky that one of those players is Miles Bridges. Bridges has been having a fantastic year and losing him for some stretch of games is a big hit to the Hornets. Yet, they finally have LaMelo Ball back from injury, and he should be able to make up for the loss. This could potentially be a close game for the Hornets without Bridges, but with LaMelo and a mostly healthy roster they should be able to get the win.
Final Rockets-Hornets Prediction & Pick
The Rockets have not looked good lately. They have lost their last three games by 12 or more points and that narrative seems like it will continue on Monday. Houston does have a shot to cover if both Jalen Green and KPJ play, however relying on questionable players to both play and make an impact is a losing move. The Hornets seem like the reasonable option here. Charlotte is fully healthy, minus Bridges and PJ Washington, and they should be able to take care of Houston at home. Pick the Hornets to win and cover.
FINAL ROCKETS-HORNETS PICK: Charlotte Hornets -7 (-110)
FINAL ROCKETS-HORNETS SCORE PREDICTION: Hornets 120 – Rockets 101
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