The Charlotte Hornets (23-28) and Houston Rockets (31-18) will face off in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 8:00 p.m. ET from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. The game will broadcast live on SCHN.
The Rockets are 3.5-point favorites over the Hornets on the spread (Rockets -3.5), with the over/under set at 216.5 total points. Houston is a -165 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while Charlotte is +140 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Hornets vs. Rockets predictions and NBA picks for Thursday, February 5.
Hornets vs Rockets Prediction, Picks
- Hornets vs Rockets pick: Jabari Smith Over 0.5 Blocks (-130)
My Rockets vs. Hornets best bet is on Jabari Smith to block at least one shot at -130. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Hornets vs Rockets Odds
| Hornets Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3.5 -110 | 216.5 -110o / -110u | +140 |
| Rockets Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3.5 -110 | 216.5 -110o / -110u | -165 |
Hornets vs Rockets NBA Preview
The Hornets got a little more dynamic this week.
Charlotte flipped Collin Sexton in a deal that brought in both Coby White and Mike Conley, though it's unclear whether Conley will remain with the team.
The Hornets also acquired Tyus Jones, who flopped in Orlando, while waiving Pat Connaughton and parting with Mason Plumlee to the Thunder after randomly acquiring Ousmane Dieng, who has since been rerouted.
But overall, White and Jones are in Charlotte. Conley might be, too.
The Rockets haven't done anything as of Thursday morning, and they just lost by a score of 114-93 to the Celtics last night… at home.
For the Hornets, Conley, Jones and White aren't expected to play Thursday. KJ Simpson (hip) is out, and Tidjane Salaun (illness) is questionable.
For Houston, Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) sat on the front end of the back-to-back on Wednesday. Steven Adams (ankle) and Fred VanVleet (ACL) are done for the season.
Hornets vs Rockets Predictions, Betting Analysis
Jabari Smith has recorded a block in four straight games for the Rockets, which is now 1+ blocks 11 of his last 15 outings.
The Hornets average the fifth most drives this season at 54.5 per game, providing Smith more chances to keep his streak going.
Pick: Jabari Smith Over 0.5 Blocks (-130)
Spread
I'm staying away from the spread in this matchup.
Moneyline
No play on the moneyline as well.
Over/Under
My Rockets vs Hornets betting prediction is on Jabari Smith over 0.5 blocks at -130.
Rockets vs Hornets Betting Trends
