Adding additional postseason spots in the form of the play-in tournament didn't help the Houston Rockets (20-60, 33-44-3 ATS) or the Charlotte Hornets (26-54, 35-42-3 ATS) at all this season. The Hornets are locked into their spot as the fourth-worst team this season, while the Rockets are in a tight battle for the second-worst record in the NBA this season. These teams met in January, with the Hornets winning by five and narrowly covering the spread. This game will have a lot less meaning and fewer players active than before. Still, at 7:00 p.m. EST, both squads will suit up in Charlotte's Spectrum Center and play their penultimate game.
The Houston Rockets, owners of the Western Conference's worst record through 80 games played, have won two of three. The stretch occurred at home and concluded their home schedule for the season. Their final home game was against the Western Conference's top team, the Denver Nuggets, and Houston beat them 124-103, spoiling Nikola Jokic's return from injury. Houston forced 20 turnovers and took off in the fourth quarter, outscoring Denver by 20. Jalen Green had a monstrous night, finishing with 32 points and a +27 point differential. He dropped 41 against Charlotte in January on 66.7% shooting from the field.
Another 30-piece and a few sides for Jalen tonight ?? pic.twitter.com/szmyovLmyL
— Houston Rock ets (@HoustonRockets) April 5, 2023
Their record probably indicates this, but Houston's numbers aren't pretty. They are 27th in offensive rating, 29th in defensive rating, and 29th in net rating. There are areas that they excel in, such as offensive rebounding percentage, which they lead the league in, and their free throw rate which is ninth in the NBA. The Rockets also take the highest percentage of shots at the rim in the league 41.8%. It would help if they made more though, as Houston is 29th in field goal percentage.
Jae'Sean Tate is already ruled out for this game due to a knee injury. It's unlikely he's playing again this season.
No House Advantage: Bet on player over/unders VS THE HOUSE to 21x your bet OR play in PICK 'EM contests against other people! Click here to get a 1st deposit match up to $100 1st w/ promocode WandW!