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The Houston Rockets travel to the Spectrum Center on Thursday night to face the Charlotte Hornets in a cross-conference clash that finds both teams fighting for positioning as the season enters its final stretch. Houston (33-20) currently sits 4th in the Western Conference and is looking to maintain their momentum after winning four straight road games. Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets (26-29) are arguably the hottest team in the East, having won 10 of their last 11 contests before the All-Star break to climb into the 9th spot in the Eastern Conference.
This is the second meeting of the season between these two squads. Charlotte took the first matchup 109-99 back on February 5th, ending Houston’s home winning streak. With the Rockets seeking revenge and the Hornets looking to prove their recent surge is no fluke, oddsmakers have Houston as a narrow 4.5-point road favorite in a game with a defensive-minded total of 216.5.
Houston Rockets vs Charlotte Hornets Odds
Lines have seen some movement since opening, with Houston’s favorability varying between 2.5 and 4.5 points across major sportsbooks. Be sure to check the latest NBA odds for real-time updates before tipoff.
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Houston Rockets | -189 | -4.5 (-109) | U 216.5 (-112) |
| Charlotte Hornets | +157 | +4.5 (-111) | O 216.5 (-108) |
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Houston Rockets Betting Form
Under Ime Udoka, the Rockets have transformed into one of the league’s premier defensive units, allowing just 109.6 points per game (4th in NBA). They dominate the glass, leading the league with 48.6 rebounds per game. Kevin Durant remains the focal point of the offense, averaging 25.8 points, while Alperen Sengün continues his breakout campaign with averages of 20.7 points and 9.4 rebounds. You can find a deeper dive into their road trends on the Houston Rockets stats and results page.
The Rockets are dealing with significant long-term injuries to Fred VanVleet (ACL) and Steven Adams (Ankle), both of whom are out for the season. This has forced Amen Thompson into a larger role, and he has responded well, averaging 17.6 points and 7.6 rebounds. Before locking in a bet, check the Houston Rockets injury report to ensure no other key rotation players are resting following the All-Star festivities.
Charlotte Hornets Betting Form
Charlotte has completely reinvented itself over the last month. During their 10-1 run, they’ve prioritized perimeter defense and high-volume three-point shooting, ranking 5th in the league at 37.3% from deep. Rookie sensation Kon Knueppel has led the way, averaging 18.9 points and 3.4 made triples per game. For a full look at their recent surge, check the Charlotte Hornets schedule and stats page.
The Hornets have managed this success despite the absence of Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabate, who remain out due to league suspensions. Additionally, the team will be without Coby White (Calf) and Liam McNeeley (Ankle) for tonight’s matchup. With LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller carrying the scoring load, Charlotte has proven they can beat high-level competition when their shots are falling. Check the Charlotte Hornets injury report for any updates on their rotation depth.
Houston Rockets vs Charlotte Hornets Matchup Breakdown
This game features a fascinating clash of styles. Houston wants to slow the game down (ranking 23rd in pace) and punish teams in the paint and on the boards. Charlotte, conversely, ranks 2nd in the league in three-pointers made and wants to turn this into a transition-heavy shootout. In their previous meeting, Charlotte’s ability to create turnovers and convert them into three-pointers was the difference.
Houston’s rebounding advantage is their clearest path to victory. If Sengün and Jabari Smith Jr. can limit Charlotte to one-and-done possessions, the Hornets’ high-variance shooting could falter. However, the Hornets lead the league in steals (6.7 per game), and if they can disrupt Houston’s half-court sets, the Rockets may struggle to keep up without the steadying hand of VanVleet.
- Houston ranks 4th in points allowed (109.6 PPG) and 1st in rebounds (48.6 RPG).
- Charlotte has won 10 of their last 11 games.
- The Hornets rank 5th in 3PT% (37.3%) and 2nd in 3PM (15.4 per game).
- The Under has hit in 28 of Houston’s last 40 games.
For tips on how to handle matchups between elite rebounding teams and elite shooting teams, see our NBA betting guide.
Houston Rockets vs Charlotte Hornets Predictions and Best Bets
While Charlotte is on an incredible run, the Rockets are a difficult matchup for them physically. Houston’s elite rebounding and rim protection should mitigate Charlotte’s secondary scoring options. Kevin Durant is rarely held in check two games in a row by the same team, and I expect a bounce-back performance from him after the loss on Feb 5th. Our model projects a 112-107 Rockets victory.
The total of 216.5 is low, but for good reason. Houston’s slow pace and Charlotte’s improved defensive effort suggest a grind. However, with both teams coming off a break and the Hornets’ tendency to launch from deep, the Under is a “lean” but a risky one. The safest play is laying the points with Houston.
Best Bet: Houston Rockets -4.5 (-109).
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NBA Picks and Handicappers on ScoresAndStats
For more expert analysis on this matchup and others, visit today’s NBA picks. Our pros provide detailed breakdowns of pace-and-space matchups and how to find value in the player prop markets.
Check out our top sports handicappers to see who has been the most profitable with Rockets or Hornets games this season. You can also view the handicapper leaderboard to find the best experts for tonight’s slate. For the highest-confidence plays, you can buy expert picks to help build your bankroll.
