The Charlotte Hornets (21-41) host the Houston Rockets (39-22) on Saturday at the Spectrum Center for a 5 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the Rockets-Hornets odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.
Place a legal sports bet on this NBA action or other games at BetMGM.
Rockets at Hornets: Key injuries
Rockets
- SG Eric Gordon (knee) out
- PG Russell Westbrook (rest) out
Hornets
- SG Malik Monk (suspension) out
Rockets at Hornets: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips
NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 9:45 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Rockets 110, Hornets 105
Moneyline (ML)
The Rockets (-334) got rolled by the Los Angeles Clippers, 120-105, Thursday night. It was their second straight loss after winning their previous six games. The Hornets (+260) dropped their past three games, but they covered all of them, losing two by one possession and the other was a single-digit loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.
But we have to PASS THE MONEYLINE because the value isn’t there on either side. The Rockets have beaten the Hornets in 18 of their last 20 meetings, including seven a row. If the Hornets were a (+350) or up underdog, I’d consider betting them straight up. Earlier this season, Russell Westbrook missed the first game, and they still cruised to a 125-110 win. The difference this time is they are playing at home and, since Westbrook is scheduled to miss this game too, I’m predicting a close Houston win.
Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
The Hornets +7.5 (-106) are better than the Rockets -7.5 (-115) against the spread on the season (32-30 ATS) and recently (5-0 ATS in their last five games). Houston is just 1-4 ATS in its last five games and 29-32 ATS on the season. Plus they are just 14-17 ATS on the road and 7-11 ATS when visiting sub .500 teams. Furthermore, the Rockets are 5-7 ATS when laying 7.5-9.5 points while Charlotte is 5-3 ATS when getting that many points.
I LIKE the HORNETS +7.5 (-106). New to sports betting? Bet $115 on the Hornets -7.5 and earn a $94.34 profit if they win or lose by less than seven points.
Over/Under (O/U)
The Rockets-Hornets game going UNDER 220.5 (100) is the likeliest outcome if Charlotte banks a W in our ATS handicap. The Hornets have a 2-8 Over/Under record in their past 10 games. Houston has an 8-13 O/U record as an away favorite and Charlotte is 11-13 O/U as a home dog. Sunday is the worst day of the week for the Rockets and Hornets offense, which average 112.5 points per game (Houston) and 96.6 PPG (Charlotte).
Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.
Follow @Geoffery_Clark and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1368]