Houston Rockets – Charlotte Hornets: Hornets bring the buzz to Texas
The Rockets and Hornets meet for the first time this season, and both teams are steaming. Houston wants to cement a top spot in the Western Conference. Charlotte are knocking on the Play-In door in the East — and they’re doing it on a streak that’s turning heads.
Houston Rockets: why not push for 3rd? 
Even after a heavy home loss to the Celtics (93-114), the Rockets have won three of their last four. Sure, those were must-win games, but that’s what top teams do. Controlled wins over Atlanta (104-86), Dallas (111-107) and Indiana (118-114) bought confidence ahead of a tougher stretch: the Hornets at home, then Oklahoma City, two games vs the Clippers, and trips to Charlotte and New York.
Today’s spotlight is on Charlotte — they carry the second-longest active winning streak in the league. If Houston wants this one, they’ll lean on defense. Ime Udoka’s team allows just 110.0 points per game, the fourth-best mark in the NBA. They also crash the glass hard — 49.4 rebounds per game — easily the league lead this season, and that helps them close out defensive possessions.
INJURY REPORT : Dorian Finney-Smith (OUT) – Steven Adams (OUT)
Charlotte Hornets: chasing history? 
The Hornets are on a seven-game winning streak. Big-name scalps in that run include the Magic (124-97), the 76ers (130-93) and the Spurs (111-106). That streak has pulled them right up on the Bulls and within striking distance of the Play-In. Win this one in Houston and Charles Lee’s team can equal the franchise’s longest run since December 1999.
Since Jan 1, Charlotte ranks as the 7th-best offense at 116.1 points per game and the 3rd-best defense, allowing only 105.5 points on average. Those are elite numbers. The group clicks, they enjoy playing together, and with top-level coaching you get results.
INJURY REPORT : Tidjane Salaun (questionable)
NBA Pick Houston Rockets vs Charlotte Hornets
Hornets to score over 106.5 points
Even with Houston boasting one of the league’s best defenses this season, Charlotte has shown over the last month that stopping them is a tall order. Charles Lee’s team has hit 110+ points in 14 of 18 games in 2026, and many of those came against respectable defenses. The Rockets can survive in an open affair — they’ve got scorers like Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun — but this looks like a loose game. Expect Charlotte to clear the 107-point mark comfortably.
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