Washington Wizards (6-27) vs Houston Rockets (23-12)
Game Info: Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at 7:00 pm (Capital One Arena)
Betting Odds: Washington Wizards +10.5 -- Over/Under: 226 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: NBA League Pass
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets have been in fine form as they've won six of their last nine games overall and they will be eager to keep it going after sneaking past the Lakers in a 119-115 home win on Sunday. Jalen Green led the team with 33 points, six rebounds, and four assists, Amen Thompson added 23 points with 16 rebounds on 11 of 19 shooting while Fred VanVleet chipped in with 15 points. As a team, the Rockets shot 47 percent from the field and 14 of 40 from the 3-point line as they looked to be in trouble when they allowed the Lakers to cut their 22-point lead to just two points. The Rockets went on a decisive 15-6 run in the fourth quarter to escape with the narrow victory.
Washington Wizards
Meanwhile, the Washington Wizards have been doing it tough as they've lost nine of their last 12 games overall and they will be hoping to avoid a third straight defeat after getting routed by the Pelicans in a 110-98 loss on Sunday. Kyle Kuzma led the team with 28 points on 13 of 23 shooting, Alexandre Sarr added 18 points with 11 rebounds and three assists while Carlton Carrington chipped in with 16 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. As a team, the Wizards shot just 42 percent from the field and 11 of 41 from the 3-point line as they struggled to contain the Pelicans from the tipoff. The Wizards were always fighting an uphill battle after falling behind by 15 points going into halftime. Malcolm Brogdon finished with just four points on two of seven shooting while Corey Kispert shot just one of 10 from the field to finish with just five points.
Why the Washington Wizards will win
- The Wizards have won three of their last five games as home underdogs following a loss.
- The Wizards have covered the spread in five of their last six games following a home loss.
- The Rockets have failed to cover the spread in six of their last eight games following a win.
Why the Houston Rockets will win
- The Wizards have lost each of their last 12 night games against Southwest Division opponents.
- The Rockets have won each of their last 12 Tuesday games against the Wizards.
- The Wizards have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six games as home underdogs against Southwest Division opponents.
- The Rockets have covered the spread in seven of their last eight games as favorites against the Wizards.
Total Points Facts
- Seven of the Rockets' last eight road games against opponents who are on the first leg of a back-to-back have gone OVER the total points line.
- Four of the Wizards' last five games against Southwest Division opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
Houston Rockets vs Washington Wizards Prediction
The Rockets are still shorthanded with Tari Eason still out and Jalen Green listed as questionable, while the Wizards have ruled out Malcolm Brogdon and they have Jordan Poole, Bilal Coulibaly, and Carlton Carrington all as questionable. The Rockets come into this game with plenty of momentum and it's no surprise that they're big favorites on the road. The Wizards have shown glimpses of life with three wins in their last 12 games, but they could be severely shorthanded for this one, so I am looking at the Rockets to take full advantage of this spot.
Peter’s Pick Houston -10.5
AUTHOR: Peter Tran
