The Charlotte Hornets (21-41) will be at home in the Spectrum Center when they square off against the Houston Rockets (39-22). Houston opened as an 8-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 222 points. Tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 7, 2020, and it can be seen on ATTSN Southwest.

Houston Rockets at Charlotte Hornets Betting Preview

In the Rockets’ last matchup, they fell to the Los Angeles Clippers, 120-105. They were not able to cover as 1.5-point underdogs. Houston’s Russell Westbrook had a solid game, leading both teams in scoring with 29 points on 11-for-27 shooting. Los Angeles held the Rockets to an effective field goal percentage of 0.397 (below their season average of 0.540). Houston, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (8.1 vs. 12.2). The two teams combined to score 225 points, which finished under the projected point total of 237.5.

Although the Hornets were topped by the Denver Nuggets in their last matchup, 114-112, they did cover as 10-point underdogs. Devonte’ Graham was the game’s leading scorer with 24 points on 8-for-15 shooting. Denver had an offensive rebounding percentage of 34.2 (above their season average of 25.0). Charlotte, meanwhile, did a terrific job of getting to and converting from the charity stripe (23-28; 82.1 percent). Combined, the two teams scored 226 points, which was well over the projected point total of 208.5.

It could be a sloppy game for the Charlotte offense. Charlotte ranks 24th in the NBA in ball protection (turnover percentage of 14.2 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of Houston forces the ninth-most turnovers in the NBA (14.2 percent). Also, the second-ranked offense of the Rockets (offensive efficiency of 111.8) will face off against the 23rd-ranked defense of the Hornets (defensive efficiency of 111.4).

Of Houston’s 61 games, 34 have finished under the O/U total, while 33 of Charlotte’s 62 games have finished under the O/U total. The Rockets have the sizable advantage straight up (SU) (39-22 vs. 21-41), but both teams are right around the .500 mark against the spread (ATS).

These two teams have already met once this season. The two teams combined to score 235 points in that game, which was over the projected point total of 223. The Rockets won 125-110, covering as 13-point favorites. Houston had a much better turnover percentage (3.6 vs. 15.4). Charlotte, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (26.1 vs. 14.6). James Harden put up a double-double in the victory with 40 points and 12 assists.

Rockets vs. Hornets Free Prediction

NBA Pick: SU Winner – Rockets, ATS Winner – Rockets, O/U – Under

Notes

Betting Notes:

Houston averages 44.5 three pointers per game, which ranks first in the league. Charlotte ranks 18th in three pointers allowed per game (34.6).

Charlotte ranks 21st in assists per game (23.7) while Houston ranks 29th (21.4).

The Rockets rank sixth in points off turnovers per game (18.4) while the Hornets rank 13th in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.0).

Houston is 16-15 ATS on the road, while Charlotte is 13-14-2 ATS at home.

Bettings Trends:

Charlotte is 5-0 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs in its last five games.

Across its last five outings, Houston is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.

The Hornets’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 0.4, down from 7.3 for the season.

During their last five games, the Rockets have scored an average of 120.4 points per game (1.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 115.8 points per game (1.5 above their season average).