Charlotte Hornets (0-0) vs. Houston Rockets (0-0)
October 23, 2024 8:00 pm EDT
The Line: Houston Rockets -7.5; Over/Under: +234.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Houston Rockets play host to the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday night. Here’s a Houston Rockets vs Charlotte Hornets Prediction. This article will include a Houston Rockets vs Charlotte Hornets Pick.
Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets endured another season near the bottom of the league as they won just 21 games in a forgettable season, but they are looking to turn the page now that they have new owners. LaMelo Ball spent more time on the sidelines than he did on the court as he missed 60 games, so there was never any real hope of entering the playoff picture. The Hornets got rid of Steve Clifford as coach and acquired Taj Gibson and Josh Green to bolster their depth. Realistically, the Hornets don’t expect much of an improvement on last season as they are more focused on player development, but it will be nice to see how far they could go if Ball is able to stay healthy alongside Miles Bridges who averaged 21 points and 7.3 rebounds per game last season. The Hornets will meet the Hawks after this one.
Houston Rockets
Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets will be hoping to continue their climb after reeling off 16 wins in their last 22 games to finish with 41 wins on the season. Alperen Sengun averaged 21.1 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, Jalen Green took the next step in his development and the addition of Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks seems to be working. In terms of offseason moves, the Rockets remained quiet, but they did manage to draft Reed Sheppard with the third overall pick in the NBA Draft. The Rockets somewhat overachieved last season to finish with a respectable 41-41 overall record, but the young players are really responding to coach Ime Udoka, so I’m expecting them to improve once again. The Rockets will face the Grizzlies following this game.
Why the Houston Rockets will win
- The Hornets have lost each of their last six games against Western Conference opponents.
- The Rockets have won each of their last eight games as favorites against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Rockets have covered the spread in each of their last six games as home favorites.
- The Hornets have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four road openers as underdogs.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Hornets’ last eight games as underdogs has gone OVER the total points line.
- Each of the Rockets’ last seven night games has gone OVER the total points line.
Houston Rockets vs Charlotte Hornets Prediction
The Rockets could be a little shorthanded in this one with Steven Adams currently listed as questionable, but they are the deserved favorites in this spot, despite being just the first game of the season. The line is a little hefty, but I think the young Rockets will pile on the points against the Hornets who were one of the worst defensive teams last season, so I’m backing the Rockets to get off to a solid start with a double-digit win at home in this one.
