Charlotte Hornets vs Houston Rockets Prediction

Charlotte Hornets vs Houston Rockets Prediction

After easing to a blowout win over the Washington Wizards on Super Bowl Sunday, Charlotte (11-13) host an unpredictable Western Conference outfit in the form of Houston (11-11) next. 

Can Terry Rozier, Gordon Hayward and LaMelo Ball power them to victory? Or will the John Wall - Victor Oladipo backcourt tandem overcome the odds without a key man in tow for the visitors? Read my basketball preview, for the best betting odds ahead of this compelling H2H matchup.

Charlotte Hornets vs Houston Rockets Preview

Rozier led the Hornets in scoring with his most efficient shooting display since January 3 away at Philadelphia, shaking off an ankle injury to headline a busy box score against the Wizards (5-15) whose woes continued on Sunday evening. 

Rozier connected on five threes, Hayward had 25 points, and LaMelo Ball added 19 with seven rebounds and a team-high five assists as they blew out Scott Brooks' men rather emphatically.

Devonte' Graham was sidelined through a groin injury, meaning Rozier stepped up to the plate by playing more point guard than he has all season long. 

Rozier said post-game that it felt good having the ball a lot more than he's used to while reinforcing his adaptability to coaches' instructions on the fly. Head coach James Borrego praised the sixth-year guard, saying:

"He came back better, came back more aggressive. I like him offensively - he's moving and sharing the ball. His shot-making was big today, he's really matured in his playmaking ability."

Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 31 points on 11-of-22 shooting, while Russell Westbrook was one assist shy of his sixth triple-double season. 

PJ Washington (foot) returned to the starting line-up but struggled with his shooting, while Miles Bridges had a double-double off the bench (11 pts, 14 rebs).

It'll be interesting to see how they fare at home against a Houston side who got 53 points from Wall and useful bench providing sharpshooter Eric Gordon. Still, Oladipo largely struggled (4-of-14, 9 pts, five assists and fouls, four turnovers) during their five-point defeat against San Antonio.

Will he bounce back en route to a much-needed road win? 

Charlotte Hornets vs Houston Rockets Betting Tips

ESPN's Basketball Power Index has given Charlotte a narrow advantage (55.3%) ahead of this clash, and it makes sense considering Houston's leading scorer Christian Wood (ankle) is sidelined for the next two weeks. As such, I'm predicting a hard-fought home win.