In an apparent mismatch, the Rockets will face the Nets and former teammate James Harden for the second and final time this season. Unlike the initial meeting on March 3, which was at Toyota Center, Wednesday’s matchup is Houston’s return visit to Brooklyn.
The Rockets (13-33) have the second-worst record in the Western Conference, while the Nets (32-15) have the second-best mark in the Eastern Conference. They’re also playing extremely well at the moment, having won 18 of their last 21 games — even with superstar forward Kevin Durant having missed over a month due to a left hamstring strain.
In short, time has shown that Harden was correct in his assessment that Brooklyn offered him a better opportunity than Houston to compete for the NBA championship in the 2020-21 season. The Nets have proven to be attractive on the buyout market, as well, having signed veteran forwards Blake Griffin and LaMarcus Aldridge in recent weeks.
Despite the records, though, the Rockets have played better basketball of late. When the teams last met, Houston was in the middle of its historic 20-game losing streak. Since that skid, the Rockets have won two of five, and they were competitive in Monday’s home loss to Memphis — even with star center Christian Wood out due to illness.
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The lines, courtesy of BetMGM
- Point spread: Rockets +12.5 (-110), Nets -12.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Rockets +725/Nets -1200
- Over-under: 231.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
- Player O/U Scoring Props: James Harden 27.5 (-120 O, -105 U), Kyrie Irving 26.5 (-110 O, -115 U), Joe Harris 11.5 (-130 O, +100 U); Houston TBD
Place your legal, online sports bets in CO, IN, MI, NV, NJ, PA, TN, and WV at BetMGM.
Brooklyn’s probable starters are Kyrie Irving, James Harden, Joe Harris, Bruce Brown, and DeAndre Jordan. Meanwhile, Houston would like to start John Wall, Kevin Porter Jr., Danuel House Jr., Jae’Sean Tate and Christian Wood — but Wall’s playing status is up in the air.
According to the injury report, Wood (illness) is probable to return, but Wall is questionable (left knee effusion). That’s the same knee that Wall is reportedly likely to have scoped at some point. Danuel House Jr. (back soreness) is probable, while Eric Gordon (groin), David Nwaba (wrist) and Dante Exum (calf) remain out with longer-term injuries. If Wall sits out, veteran guard DJ Augustin appears likely to start in his place.
In addition to Durant’s absence, the Nets will be without Aldridge (rest) and Spencer Dinwiddie (right knee) for Wednesday’s game. Landry Shamet (right ankle sprain) is listed as questionable.
Advice and prediction
The Rockets played an inspired game versus Harden and the Nets back on March 3, and that was without Wood. It’s way too much to expect them to actually beat Brooklyn on the road — but assuming Wood returns, it shouldn’t be a surprise if they cover the large number.
Prediction: 122-111, Nets
Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.
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