Hornets vs. Rockets Picks and Predictions for the NBA Game on December 23rd, 2024

Arena and City where Hornets vs. Rockets will be playing

December 23rd, 2024 is the date when the Hornets and the Rockets clash in a thrilling NBA game in Charlotte, NC at Spectrum Center. Maximize your chances of winning by checking out our picks and predictions.

Introduction to the Hornets vs. Rockets betting tip and prediction

On December 23rd, 2024, at 18:00, the Eastern Conference will face off against the Western Conference in this NBA clash. The Hornets enters as 6 point underdogs in the contest. In the previous game between these two teams, the Hornets were 34 point underdogs but lost the game to Rockets, 138-104. The over/under for the upcoming game is 218.5 points. In the previous meeting, the over/under was 241 points, and the over was victorious.

The 2024-2025 basketball season has made it abundantly clear how important the 3-point shot is to the game. Let's examine how different teams are succeeding from long distance. The Hornets are currently nailing 34.8% of their 3-pointers, highlighting their precision in long-range shooting. In contrast, the Rockets are converting on 32.5% of their 3-point attempts, showcasing their proficiency in long-range shooting. As for shot selection, the Hornets are dedicating 47% of their attempts to 3-pointers, while the Rockets are taking 39% of their field goal attempts from downtown.

Charlotte Hornets

How are the Hornets playing this season?

The Hornets comes into this game with a 7-21 record, and they are currently 13th in the Eastern Conference standings. The Hornets are 1-9 in their last 10 games.

Did the Hornets win their most recent game?

No, Hornets fell to the 76ers, 108-98. Miles Bridges scored 21 points in the loss.

Best scorer for the Hornets

The leading scorer for the Hornets this season is LaMelo Ball, who is averaging 30.4 points per game. He scored 15 points on 6-for-16 shooting in his previous regular-season meeting against the Rockets.

Other Team Leaders for the Hornets

Coming into the December 23rd, 2024 contest, Nick Richards leads the Hornets with 8.8 rebounds per game. In the last match, he made 22.5 points in DraftKings and 21.7 fantasy points in FanDuel. LaMelo Ball has a team-high 7.4 assists per game The steals leader for the Hornets is LaMelo Ball (1.4 steals per game) In terms of swatting shots, Nick Richards is leading the way for the Hornets with 1.5 blocks per game. His DFS production in the last game is as follows: 22.5 DraftKings fantasy points and 21.7 FanDuel fantasy points per game.

Hornets Team Analysis

The Hornets' point differential this season is -6.4 points per game, which ranks 26th in the NBA. They are averaging 106.6 points per game while allowing 113 points per game. In terms of 3-pointers, the Hornets are making 14.8 shots per game, which ranks 8th in the NBA. From the free-throw line, the Hornets are making 14.7 per game, which ranks 30th in the NBA.

Projected Hornets Starting Lineup and Injuries

In their last meeting against the Rockets, the Hornets' starting lineup consisted of Nick Richards, Miles Bridges, Cody Martin, Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball. For the upcoming matchup, the Hornets has the following injuries: LaMelo Ball is questionable (calf), Tre Mann is out (back) Brandon Miller is questionable (ankle), Grant Williams is out (leg) and Mark Williams is questionable (foot).

Houston Rockets

How are the Rockets playing this season?

The Rockets head this game with a 19-9 record, and they are currently 3rd in the Western Conference standings. The Rockets are 7-3 in their last 10 games.

Did the Rockets win their most recent game?

Yes, Rockets defeated the Raptors, 114-110. Jalen Green scored 36 points in the victory.

Best scorer for the Rockets

The leading scorer for the Rockets this season is Jalen Green, who is averaging 19.6 points per game. Jalen Green also leads the team in minutes played per game with 35.48. He scored 36 points on 12-for-20 shooting in his previous regular season meeting against the Hornets. In the last game, scored 33.75 DraftKings fantasy points and 31.4 FanDuel fantasy points.

Other Team Leaders for the Rockets

Alperen Sengun is leading the way with 10.6 rebounds per game. In his last game of the season, he scored 46 points in DraftKings and 46.5 in FanDuel. Fred VanVleet is dishing out a team-high 6 assists per game. He has 23 DraftKings fantasy points and 24.1 FanDuel fantasy points scored in the last game. In terms of steals, the Rockets' leader is Tari Eason with 1.9 steals per game. His DFS points in the last match were the following: 0 DraftKings fantasy points and 0 FanDuel fantasy points. The blocks' leader for the Rockets is Jabari Smith, who is sending back 1 shots per game. He scored 35.25 DraftKings fantasy points and 37.8 FanDuel fantasy points in his last game.

Rockets Team Analysis

The Rockets' point differential this season is 6.4 points per game, which ranks 6th in the NBA. They are averaging 112.9 points per game while allowing 106.5 points per game. In terms of 3-pointers, the Rockets are making 11.7 shots per game, which ranks 24th in the NBA. From the free-throw line, the Rockets are making 18.5 per game, which ranks 6th in the NBA.

Projected Rockets' Starting Lineup and Injuries

In their last meeting against the Hornets, the Rockets' starting five were Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith, Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet. For the upcoming matchup, Rockets has the following injury: Tari Eason is questionable (leg).

Bet suggestions for this game

Spread betting suggestion

With the Hornets coming into this game as 6 point underdogs the suggestion is to bet at the Rockets.

Money Line betting suggestion

Hornets are a 6 money line underdog for the game against the Rockets, and the suggestion is to pick the Rockets.

Over/Under betting suggestion

The over/under for the Hornets and Rockets is 218.5 points, so the suggestion is to take the under.

Will there be Overtime?

Since the Hornets and Rockets have combined for just 5 overtime games this season, overtime is not likely for the upcoming contest.