Houston Rockets vs Washington Wizards: Vulnerable Rockets take on reeling Wizards

The NBA is heading towards the Playoffs window and soon, we will see ten teams exit from the scene, and then the number of teams will dwindle even further. For some teams, this is a desperate window because the time to make a winning run towards the Play-in tournament is collapsing. On the other hand, for some squads, it is a matter of seizing a top-six spot and making sure that they are able to go straight to the first round and earn more rest before engaging in the first round of the Playoffs. However, for the Houston Rockets, the season is going to end at the Regular Season while the Washington Wizards are also out of contention at this point.

Context

Rockets season has been a tough one

The Rockets are on a five-game losing streak, is it something new? Surely, losing streaks and Rockets are married this season. After James Harden departed from the team, they have not even won 30% of their games. This is not surprising considering how the backcourt of Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. is both young and unpolished. While there are multiple holes at many other positions. While Christian Wood has done a brilliant job as the leading scorer and rebounder at the Center position, Alperen Sengun, the rookie may be the long-term project for the team. Rookie Jalen Green has shown the potential to become a top-notch scorer and his shooting percentages during many windows have certainly been impressive. Porter Jr. can develop into a solid scorer and playmaker, but overall, this season has been a tough watch for the Rockets fans.

Wizards’ season has been a disappointment too

The Wizards have been unable to win two games in a row time and time again this season. Their roster balance has been a bit disturbed and Dinwiddie played as the one-guard, he didn’t shoot well in the current system while he is thriving in the Mavericks right now. Bradley Beal is done for the season but his scoring numbers were way down compared to last season. The biggest positive has been the play of Kyle Kuzma who is developing into an all-around wing while Kristaps Porzingis has been a great addition in the middle. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has done well offensively but he is not a premium shotcreator. Hachimura’s season has been a tough one after missing most of it and his development was stalled for sure. Corey Kispert has shown some promise at the wing position as a scorer. The Point Guard position has lacked steam since the beginning of the season.

Expert Betting Tips

Points Range: The Rockets are not the most efficient offensive teams but they can scrap some quality offense in the middle courtesy of Wood who has found great perimeter shooting support from Jalen Green. On the other hand, the Wizards have improved offensively especially since Kristaps Porzingis has ented the frame. Kyle Kuzma has been the leading scorer mostly while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has been doing his bit too. However, both teams have not been dialed-in defensively during many games and give up a bunch of points. This is why we can have a high-scoring game here. I think the total points range here is 230-240.

Prediction: The Center battle between Porzingis and Wood is exciting as both players can score in myriad ways. Kyle gives the team a scoring advantage at the wing position while the guard match-ups may belong to the Rockets. However, the Wizards may have a better bench depth than the Rockets and especially in terms of the frontline. I see the Wizards winning this 120:112.

Betting Odds

• Exact Number of Points(3 Way): 223-242 for 2.35;
• Handicap: 2 (-6.5) for 2.10;
• Team Props: WAS Wizards Over 119.5 for 1.90;