The Charlotte Hornets host a showdown against the Houston Rockets at Time Warner Cable Arena. Action begins at 7:00 pm ET on Monday, Apr. 13 and can be seen on ROOT-SW and SPSO.
The Hornets are are expecting a better outcome after their 104-80 loss to the Hawks on Friday. Jason Maxiell had a solid performance, putting up 13 points, four rebounds, and one steal for Charlotte. The Rockets, meanwhile, are feeling some disappointment after the close 104-103 loss against the Spurs on Friday. Trevor Ariza played well for Houston, recording 19 points, four rebounds, and one steal
Ariza has upped his play over the last five games for the Rockets, averaging 18.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.8 steals, and 3.8 three-pointers.
Based on historical performance heading into this one, ball security could play a key role in the matchup. Charlotte commits the fewest miscues in the NBA (turnover percentage of 11.5%), while Houston’s pesky defense causes the fifth-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 15.6%).
This is the second game of the season between these two teams, with the Rockets winning the first matchup 102-83. In the victory, James Harden led all scorers with 36 points.
The odds for Charlotte and Houston are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. The Hornets come into this game 33-46 Straight Up (SU) and 37-40-2 Against The Spread (ATS). They are 8-21 SU and 12-17 ATS against the Western Conference. Charlotte is one of the most disciplined teams in the league with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.82. Charlotte will look to take advantage of the Rockets and their propensity to foul. Houston ranks 27th in the league in fouls, averaging 22.1 per game.
Over on the other bench, the Rockets have 53-26 SU and 46-33 ATS records. Against the Eastern Conference, Houston is 22-7 SU and 18-11 ATS. The Rockets rely heavily on three-pointers on offense, leading the league with 903 made (11.4 per game). Moving on to Houston’s defense, the Rockets have the best opponent three-point field goal percentage in the league at .321. Houston is the third-best team in the league at scoring points off turnovers with 18.9 per game.
In their previous meeting this season, Houston beat Charlotte, bumping its SU record over the last 10 meetings to 9-1. With a 7-2-1 record, the Rockets also have the advantage ATS. Houston held the edge in field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers five times, while Charlotte was never able to do so in their most recent 10 games.
Predictions: SU Winner – HOU, ATS Winner – HOU
Notes
Charlotte has allowed an average of 97.1 points per game this season. Houston averages 103.6 points per game, ranking the team fifth in scoring.
Charlotte has allowed an average of 96.5 points per home game this season. Houston averages 104.4 points per away game, placing the team fourth in scoring.
In its last game, Houston lost by a margin of one point. Charlotte is 6-8 in games decided by three points or less. Houston has an 8-4 record in close games.
When allowing fewer than 100 points, the Rockets are 33-4 on the season. When the Hornets score fewer than 100, they are a losing 12-35.
Houston is 20-22 when allowing 100 or more points this season. The Hornets have a winning 21-11 record when hitting triple digits.
The Hornets have a defensive rating of 100.5, fifth-best in the NBA. The Rockets also rank in the top half of the league for their offensive rating of 103.7 (ranked 12th).
Houston has an average field goal percentage of 44.2%. Charlotte is a subpar 8-29 when opponents have a similar or higher field goal percentage.
The Charlotte Hornets average 18.8 three point attempts per game and have a poor 2-5 record when attempting at least 25 in a game. The Houston Rockets average 32.8 attempts and have a solid 51-24 record when attempting 25 or more.
The Charlotte Hornets rank fifth with an assist to turnover ratio of 1.82, while the Houston Rockets rank near the bottom of the league at 27th with an A/TO of 1.39.
The Charlotte Hornets rebound 44.3 times per game and are ranked 10th. Ranked 16th, the Houston Rockets rebound 43.6 times per game.
The Houston Rockets are one of the best offensive rebounding teams, currently ranked sixth for the season. The Charlotte Hornets rank near the very top of the league (fifth) in defensive rebounding.
Houston is among the best in forcing turnovers, with opponents averaging a TOV% of 15.6% (ranked fifth). Charlotte has a 4-5 record SU when its TOV% reaches 15.6% or greater.
