The Washington Wizards (12-19), 11-point underdogs, will travel to the Toyota Center to meet the Houston Rockets (15-14). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 225 points and it will air on ATTSN Southwest at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 19, 2018.
Washington Wizards vs. Houston Rockets ATS Odds
In their last game, the Rockets (5-point favorites) were victorious over the Utah Jazz, 102-97, while the Wizards (3.5-point favorites) lost to the Atlanta Hawks, 118-110. The Houston game went 14 points under the projected point total of 213, while the Washington game went 3.5 points under the projected point total of 231.5.
The Rockets forced 23 turnovers and had a free throw rate of 0.302 (above their season average of 0.211). Washington, meanwhile, forced Atlanta into a turnover percentage of 19.3 (above their season average of 15.3). James Harden fueled Houston with 47 points, six rebounds and five assists. Bradley Beal, meanwhile had a solid performance for Washington, contributing 29 points and 10 rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, John Wall led the Wizards to a 135-131 victory. He recorded a double-double with 36 points and 11 assists. Washington covered as a 2-point favorite and the two teams combined for 266 points, which was well over the projected point total of 223.5. The Wizards’ 11.2 turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Rockets, who had a mark of 14.9.
Oddsmakers have a tendency to set the total low when the Wizards are involved, as 19 of their 30 games have finished over the projected point total. Washington heads into the contest with records of 12-19 straight up (SU) and 11-18-1 against the spread (ATS).
Of the Rockets’ 29 games, 15 have finished over the total. Additionally, Houston owns records of 15-14 SU and 12-16-1 ATS.
Harden has taken his game to another level recently for Houston, averaging 32 points,7.0 assists,6.6 rebounds,1.2 steals over the last five games.
The high-octane offense of Houston will battle against the mid-tier defense of Washington. The Rockets currently rank sixth in offensive efficiency, while the Wizards are 28th in defensive efficiency. The Rockets should have the advantage on that side of the ball.
Wizards vs. Rockets Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Wizards, ATS Winner – Wizards, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Rockets rank 13 in second chance points per game (13.241379310344827) while the Wizards rank 25 (11.806451612903226).
- Houston ranks second in assists allowed per game (21.6) while Washington ranks 26th (25.5).
- The Rockets rank first in three pointers attempted per game (41.1) while the Wizards rank 22nd in three pointers allowed per game (32.7).
- Washington ranks seventh in steals per game (8.7) while Houston ranks 21st in steals allowed per game (8.3).
- Washington ranks 5 in points off turnovers per game (18.93548387096774) while Houston ranks 18 (16.413793103448278).
- The Rockets rank fifth in rebounds allowed per game (42.7) while the Wizards rank 28th (48.4).
- The Wizards rank 12 in points in the paint per game (48.96774193548387) while the Rockets rank 25 (44.48275862068966).
- Houston averages 5.620689655172414 blocks per game, which ranks 8 in the NBA. Washington ranks 12 in blocks allowed per game (4.806451612903226).
- Houston ranks fourth in fast break points allowed per game (11.0) while Washington ranks 26th (15.2).
- Washington is 3-0 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Houston is 6-2.
- The Wizards are 12-17 when they reach the century mark, while the Rockets are 13-8.
- Washington is 4-12 ATS on the road, while Houston is 6-6-1 ATS at home.
- The Wizards have 9 overs and 7 unders in 16 road games.
- The Rockets have 8 overs and 5 unders in 13 home games.
Bettings Trends:
- The Rockets are 3-1-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Wizards are 1-4.
- In their last five games, Houston has 3 unders, 1 over and 1 push, while Washington has 4 overs and 1 under.
- The Rockets have outscored opponents by an average of 6.4 points in their last five games. For the season, Houston has been defeated by an average of 0.0 points.
- During their last five games, the Wizards have scored an average of 116.4 points per game (3.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 118.4 points per game (1.4 above their season average).
