| MATCHUP | Houston Rockets | Charlotte Hornets |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 33-20 | 26-29 |
| Spread | -4.5 -110 | +4.5 -110 |
| Moneyline | -192 | +160 |
| Total | Over 216.5 (-112) | Under 216.5 (-108) |
| Where | Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC | |
| When | Thursday, February 19, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:00 PM EST | |
| TV | FanDuel SN SE | |
The Houston Rockets pay a visit to the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center on Thursday night. Here’s a Houston Rockets vs Charlotte Hornets Prediction. This article will include a Houston Rockets vs Charlotte Hornets Pick.
Houston Rockets Betting Preview
The Houston Rockets have been in great shape as they’ve won 10 of their last 15 games overall, but they will be hoping to bounce back in this one after having their two-game win streak snapped by the Clippers in a 105-102 loss last Wednesday. Kevin Durant led the team with 21 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, Reed Sheppard added 17 points off the bench while Jabari Smith Jr and Alperen Sengun each scored 16 points.
As a team, the Rockets shot 46 percent from the field and 12 of 36 from the 3-point line as they got off to a solid start and looked to be in control after taking an early 15-point lead, but that all changed in the second half, where the Rockets’ sloppiness with the ball really cost them. The Rockets finished with 21 turnovers for the game and the worst culprit was Durant who tallied eight turnovers. The Rockets worked their way back from a seven-point fourth quarter deficit to tie the game with just 7.2 seconds left, before the Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard drained the game winning shot with just 2.0 seconds left on the clock.
Charlotte Hornets Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets were the hottest team going into the All-Star break as they have reeled off 10 wins from their last 11 games after sneaking past the Hawks in a 110-107 home win on Wednesday. Brandon Miller led the team with 31 points, nine rebounds and two blocks, LaMelo Ball added 24 points with six assists while Kon Knueppel tallied 18 points with six rebounds and four assists.
As a team, the Hornets shot just 38 percent from the field and 19 of 51 from the 3-point line as they set the tone with 35 points in the first quarter to lead by as many as 19 points which proved to be crucial as they saw their lead get cut to just one points with 59.6 seconds remaining the fourth quarter before they escaped with the narrow win at home.
Why the Charlotte Hornets will win
- The underdogs have won four of the Rockets’ last five games.
- The Rockets have lost five of their last seven games as road favorites.
- The Rockets have failed to cover the spread in 12 of their last 13 night games against teams that held a losing record.
- The underdogs have covered the spread in 11 of the Rockets’ last 12 games.
Why the Houston Rockets will win
- The Rockets have won each of their last seven road games against Southeast Division opponents.
- The Hornets have lost 26 of their last 28 games at Spectrum Center against Western Conference opponents that held a winning record.
- The Rockets have covered the spread in each of their last seven games as road favorites following a home loss.
- The Hornets have failed to cover the spread in five of their last six home games on the first leg of a back-to-back against Western Conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Hornets’ last six games at Spectrum Center following a home win have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Eight of the Rockets’ last nine games as favorites have gone UNDER the total points line.
Charlotte Hornets Player Facts
- Ryan Kalkbrenner is one of only seven players to have made 8+ field goals without a miss in a game this season.
- Brandon Miller ranks 5th in the Eastern Conference amongst qualified players for FT% (89.1%) this season.
Houston Rockets Player Facts
- Tari Eason ranks 4th amongst qualified players for 3P% (46.0%) this season.
- Clint Capela ranks 6th amongst qualified players for rebounds per 36 minutes (13.8) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Hornets rank 1st in the league for opponent free throws made per game this season (16.5).
- The Hornets rank 1st in the league for opponent free throw attempts per game this season (20.6).
- The Rockets have suffered the largest comeback loss from a HT lead this season – led by 22 points @ Pelicans on December 18.
- The Rockets rank 1st in the league for Q1 opponent points per game this season (26.5).
Houston Rockets vs Charlotte Hornets Prediction
The Rockets are still missing Steven Adams and Fred VanVleet, while the Hornets are still missing Liam McNeeley, but they could have Coby White in action for this one. These two teams have already met once this season, with the Hornets beating the Rockets on the road by 109-99 back on Feb 1, so it’s interesting to see the Rockets open as favorites again.
Sure the Rockets will be out for revenge, and they have been playing some good basketball lately, but the Hornets are on fire at the moment, and I think they resume their season with another upset win at home in this spot.