The Washington Wizards (19-16) take on the Houston Rockets (25-8) at Capital One Arena. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, December 29, 2017, and will air on NBATV.
Houston Rockets at Washington Wizards Free Prediction
The Rockets are hoping for a better outcome after their 99-98 loss to the Boston Celtics in their last game. Boston’s offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over Houston. The Celtics had a rate of 21.7 (above their season average of 20.6), while the Rockets posted a mark of 17.1 (below their season average of 22.1). James Harden was the top scorer from either team with 34 points on 7-for-27 shooting.
The last time the Wizards played, they were beaten by the Atlanta Hawks, 113-99. Atlanta out-rebounded Washington. The Hawks had more offensive rebounds (16 vs. nine), defensive rebounds (37 vs. 31) and total rebounds (53 vs. 40). With 20 points on 7-for-19 shooting, Bradley Beal led Washington in scoring.
Second-chance points could be few and far between for Washington in this contest. The Wizards rank 15th in offensive rebounding percentage (22.5 percent), while Houston ranks third in defensive rebounding percentage (81.1 percent). Moreover, the Rockets are among the league’s elite at getting to the line, ranking first in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.252). The Wizards, meanhwile, rank 23rd in opponents’ FTA rate (0.214).
Houston comes into the game with records of 25-8 straight up (SU) and 16-15-1 against the spread (ATS). Of the Rockets’ 32 games that accepted bets, 17 have finished over the total.
Meanwhile, Washington is 19-16 SU and 17-18 ATS. Vegas tends to set the total high when the Wizards are involved, as 23 of their 32 games have finished under the total.
Eric Gordon and Trevor Ariza have played at a high level over the last five games for Houston. Gordon has averaged 23.6 points per game. Not to be outdone, Ariza has recorded 15.6 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals a game during that span.
After the Rockets won both games against the Wizards last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. In the last matchup, Houston won 101-91. The Rockets made 15 of their 21 free throws (71.4 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (12.0 vs. 15.6).
Houston Rockets vs. Washington Wizards Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Rockets, ATS Winner – Rockets, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Houston is 9-5 ATS on the road with 8 unders and 6 overs.
Washington is 6-10 ATS at home with 9 unders and 7 overs.
When allowing under 100 points, Washington is 13-1 and Houston is 11-2.
The Wizards are 16-7 when they score above 100 points, while the Rockets are 25-5.
Houston ranks first in rebounds allowed per game (40.7) while Washington ranks 23rd (44.3).
The Rockets rank first in three pointers attempted per game (42.9) while the Wizards rank 21st (26.1).
Washington ranks fifth in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.7) while Houston ranks 23rd (18.4).
The Wizards rank third in steals allowed per game (6.7) while the Rockets rank 16th (8.0).
Washington ranks 17th in points allowed in the paint per game (44.4) while Houston ranks 26th (46.7).
The Wizards rank 13th in fast break points per game (10.9) while the Rockets rank 22nd in fast break points allowed per game (12.3).
Houston ranks 17th in second chance points per game (11.9) while Washington ranks 21st in second chance points allowed per game (13.3).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Houston is 1-4 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
Washington is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Rockets have been outscored by an average of 0.2 points in their last five games. On the season, Houston has defeated opponents by an average of 9.2 points.
During their last five games, the Wizards have scored an average of 108.0 points per game (2.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 108.8 points per game (4.9 above their season average).
