Wizards vs Rockets Prediction
The Rockets have ruled out Fred VanVleet, Steven Adams, and Clint Capela, while the Wizards have ruled out Justin Champagnie and Tristan Vukcevic, with Alex Sarr, Tre Johnson, and Bub Carrington all listed as questionable.
The Rockets were always going to be heavy favorites in this matchup, as they’ve been consistently good since opening night, and they have won their last three games compared to the Wizards, who have now lost six in a row following their heartbreaking double-overtime defeat. This is a game to check before tipoff, but given the injury cloud hanging over the Wizards, I will back the more reliable and consistent Rockets to maintain their momentum with another win and cover here.
Houston Rockets Betting Preview
The Houston Rockets have been on a tear as they’ve won 10 of their first 13 games, and they are now aiming for a fourth straight victory after beating the slumping Jazz in a 125-118 home win on Friday. Alperen Sengun led the team with 43 points, 12 rebounds and five assists on 17 of 24 shooting; Kevin Durant added 22 points with six assists, while Fred VanVleet chipped in with 17 points.
As a team, the Rockets shot 47 percent from the field and 12 of 34 from the 3-point line as they endured a ferocious 34-12 run from the Jazz to see their 12-point lead disappear, but they regrouped and regained control with 33 points in the fourth quarter to escape with the narrow win in front of their home fans.
Washington Wizards Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Washington Wizards have been in terrible shape as they’ve dropped eight of their last 10 games overall, and they are now on a six-game losing streak after getting beaten by the Pistons in a 144-140 double overtime loss on Thursday. Trae Young led the team with 37 points and 14 assists, Alex Sarr added 30 points with nine rebounds on 12-of-14 shooting, while Anthony Davis tallied 30 points with 15 rebounds.
As a team, the Wizards shot 49 percent from the field and 14 of 37 from the 3-point line as they fought hard to extend the game twice in the fourth quarter and the first overtime, but they just had no answer for the Pistons’ Cade Cunningham, who scorched them for 52 points.
Why the Washington Wizards will win
- The Rockets have lost four of their last five games as road favorites.
- The home team has won seven of the Rockets’ last eight games.
- The home team has covered the spread in each of the Wizards’ last four games.
- The Rockets have failed to cover the spread in five of their last six games as road favorites when playing with a rest disadvantage.
Why the Houston Rockets will win
- The Wizards have lost each of their last 11 home games against Southwest Division opponents following a loss.
- The Rockets have won each of their last 11 games as favorites against the Wizards.
- The Rockets have covered the spread in each of their last seven games as favorites against the Wizards following a win.
- The Wizards have failed to cover the spread in each of their last seven Sunday games.
Total Points Facts
- Eight of the Wizards’ last nine home games against opponents who are on the first leg of a back-to-back have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of the Rockets’ last four road games against Eastern Conference opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Wizards rank 1st in the league for opponent blocks per game this season (3.5).
- The Wizards rank 30th in the league for opponent free throw percentage this season (85.8%).
- The Rockets rank 1st in the league for Q2 opponent points per game this season (21.8).
- The Rockets rank 1st in the league for H1 opponent points per game this season (49.2).