Rockets at Nets (March 29): Prediction, point spread, odds, best bet

In the last three seasons of Houston’s franchise rebuild, maximizing draft capital for the Rockets has largely depended on them losing games. But starting next year, as draft obligations owed to Oklahoma City from the ill-fated trade of Chris Paul for Russell Westbrook come back into play, the focus shifts to the Brooklyn Nets.

From 2024 through 2027, the Rockets control Brooklyn’s first-round draft capital — either through direct pick conveyances, in even years, or the right to swap picks, in odd years. Those assets were acquired by Houston as part of the James Harden trade in January 2021.

The good news is that since Brooklyn’s decisions to trade superstars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant on the week of February’s trade deadline, the Nets are just 8-15 (.348). If extrapolated to a full-season pace, that would make Brooklyn one of the NBA’s five worst teams — which makes owning their future draft capital quite attractive.

Moreover, if the Nets (40-35) slide into play-in tournament range in the Eastern Conference and ultimately miss the 2023 playoffs, that could even give the Rockets a slight odds boost in the 2023 draft lottery — since Houston has the right to swap picks this year.

So, as Rockets (18-58) head to Brooklyn, can they contribute to that slide? If you’re looking to do last-minute betting research for Wednesday’s Nets-Rockets game, you’re in luck! We’ll give you the latest point spread, money line odds and over/under number, as well as the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet at BetMGM.

The game starts at 6:30 p.m. Central and can be seen via AT&T SportsNet Southwest (in Houston markets) or on NBA League Pass.

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The lines, courtesy of BetMGM

• Point spread: Nets -10.5
• Money line: Nets  -600 / Rockets +425
• Over-under: 229.5

Rockets at Nets injury report:

• Rockets: Jae’Sean Tate out (left knee soreness)
• Nets: Ben Simmons out (back nerve impingement), Edmond Sumner questionable (right hip contusion)

Advice and prediction

It’s the final matchup of a brutal five-game road trip for the Rockets, who haven’t covered in each of the past three outings while looking increasingly worn down late in games.

Friday’s home matchup versus fellow bottom-feeder Detroit is an ideal spot for a turnaround, but Wednesday night in Brooklyn feels like a game too early. The Nets are heavily incentivized to win, as well, since they’re hoping to make the Eastern Conference playoffs without having to go through the play-in tournament.

Prediction: Nets 120, Rockets 108

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.