The upcoming clash Houston Rockets vs Charlotte Hornets, scheduled for January 26, 2024, marks their second meeting in the 2023-24 NBA season. The Rockets secured a triumphant 128-119 win in their previous encounter on November 1 at the Toyota Center in Houston.
Fred VanVleet spearheaded the Rockets’ victory with a stellar 22-point, 11-assist performance, complemented by Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks, contributing 23 and 20 points, respectively. This collective effort, with all five starters scoring at least 17 points, marked a significant milestone for Houston as they claimed their first-season win.
The Hornets struggled to contain the Rockets’ proficiency from beyond the arc, with Houston’s 21-of-37 shooting from 3-point range overshadowing their own 50.0% shooting night. PJ Washington emerged as the standout performer for the Hornets, posting 23 points on 8-of-13 shooting.
Game Overview:
The Houston Rockets vs Charlotte Hornets showdown will unfold at the Spectrum Center, the home court of the Hornets, with a 7:00 PM ET commencement on NBA League Pass. Local coverage will be provided by Space City Home Network and Bally Sports South East Charlotte.
Betting Odds:
- Moneyline: Rockets (-225), Hornets (+180)
- Spread: Rockets -5.5 (-110), Hornets +5.5 (-110)
- Total (o/u): Rockets -115 (o223.5), Hornets -105 (u223.5)
Team Preview:
The Rockets, boasting a 20-23 record this season, have experienced a resurgence, particularly on their home turf, with a 16-8 home record. However, their away performance, at 4-15, presents a challenge they aim to overcome. Despite losing their last two games, including a disappointing 137-131 OT loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, the Rockets remain eager to execute their strategies more effectively, especially during crucial moments.
On the other side, the Hornets, Houston Rockets vs Charlotte Hornets, with a 32nd loss in their recent game against the Detroit Pistons, strive to rebound from a fourth-quarter meltdown. A standout upset win against the Minnesota Timberwolves couldn’t be sustained in their subsequent game. The Hornets’ defence becomes pivotal as they face the Rockets on Friday.
Starting Lineups:
- Houston Rockets: Fred VanVleet, Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun.
- Charlotte Hornets: LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, Cody Martin, Nick Richards.
Betting Tips:
- LaMelo Ball is favoured to score over 26.5 points, but recent performance suggests caution.
- Alperen Sengun, with over 23.5 points, presents a solid betting opportunity based on consistent performance.
- Sengun is also favoured to exceed 9.5 rebounds, given his strong rebounding averages.
Prediction:
Despite slight favouritism towards the Rockets, the game is poised to be closely contested. Houston, with a more talented and deeper roster, aims to leverage their earlier-season victory against the Hornets. The outcome remains uncertain, setting the stage for an intriguing clash between these two competitive teams in the Western Conference.
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