Houston Rockets vs Charlotte Hornets Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 22/10/2024, 22:00  by Joseph King | Modified on 22/10/2024 at 22:03 in NBA Predictions

Houston and Charlotte get the ball rolling on their 2024/25 NBA seasons when they square off at the Toyota Center on Wednesday. Let’s get into the prediction for this match between the Rockets and the Hornets!

There were plenty of positives to take from the Rockets’ performance in the 2023/24 campaign as they finished 41-41. The season prior, Houston had managed just 22 wins and had the joint second worst record in the NBA.

The arrival of Ime Udoka as head coach completely turned the culture of the team around as Houston went from one of the league’s worst defenses in 2023 to a top-10 ranked team in adjusted defensive rating in 2024. The goal this time around will be to build on that .500 season and push for a playoff appearance, something the team has failed to do for the past four seasons.

Looking to disrupt their plans early on will be the Hornets, who endured a frustrating season last year. Charlotte finished with a 21-61 record, placing them 13th in the East standings.

Key to their struggles was the injury of superstar Lamelo Ball who missed 60 games. Ball is back and healthy and the team re-signed Miles Bridges in the offseason, so there’s certainly offensive potential with this team.