Rockets at Nets, Jan. 27: Prediction, point spread, odds, best bet
So far, Eastern Conference teams have been a problem for the Rockets (21-23) in the NBA’s 2023-24 regular season. Houston enters Saturday night with a 15-11 (.577) record against Western Conference foes, but with only a 6-12 (.333) mark against East opponents.
The good news for the Rockets is that perhaps their most impressive East victory came on Friday night in Charlotte, and they have another plausible path to a road victory when they face the struggling Brooklyn Nets (17-27) on Saturday at Barclays Center.
If you’d like last-minute betting research, you’re in luck! We have the latest point spread, money line odds and over/under number, as well as all the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet.
Saturday’s game starts at 5 p.m. Central and can be seen on the Space City Home Network and NBA League Pass.
Here’s a look at Saturday’s lines:
- Point spread: Nets -4.5
- Money line: Nets -185 / Rockets +150
- Over/under: 220.5
Rockets at Nets injury report:
Advice and prediction
Entering Saturday, the Nets have lost 12 of their last 14 games and 17 of 21, overall. And if Houston needs any extra incentive, a victory over Brooklyn could boost its 2024 NBA draft outlook.
The Rockets own Brooklyn’s first-round draft choice this year as part of the blockbuster James Harden trade from January 2021, and the Nets are currently just outside the East’s play-in field. Should that hold, Houston could receive a top-10 pick in the 2024 NBA draft.
The Rockets beat the Nets in Houston on Jan. 3, but the rematch could be tougher on night two of a road back-to-back. Houston does enter with good vibes after Friday’s win in Charlotte, where third-year guard Jalen Green (36 points, 9 rebounds) and rookie Cam Whitmore (24 points, 11 rebounds) each had season-highs.
Though the win-loss results have been rough, the Nets have played better in recent days, having lost by 5 points or less to a pair of very good teams in the Knicks (28-17) and Timberwolves (32-13).
In this one, the Nets are at home and rested, while the Rockets are on night two of a road back-to-back and are just 5-15 away from Houston this season. This feels like a potential breakthrough for the hosts.
Prediction: Nets 113, Rockets 108
Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.
