Hornets vs Rockets Free Pick, NBA Free Pick & Predictions 2/5/25

J.A. Cavalier
1 hour ago
2 min read

NBA ODDS, NBA PREDICTIONS, NBA PREVIEWS

Hornets vs Rockets Free Pick

The Charlotte Hornets head to the Toyota Center tonight to take on the Houston Rockets in a matchup that brings together two teams trending in very different directions. Houston enters at 31–18 and has been one of the league’s most reliable home teams all season, leaning on elite defensive structure and physical play to control games on their own floor.

Charlotte, however, arrives riding a wave of momentum. The Hornets have won seven straight games and have transformed into one of the most explosive offenses in the league during that stretch. Improved ball movement, confident perimeter shooting, and aggressive transition play have fueled their surge, making them a far more dangerous opponent than their overall record suggests.

This contest sets up as a compelling stylistic clash. Houston’s identity is built on defensive discipline, halfcourt execution, and limiting high-quality looks, while Charlotte’s recent success has come from pushing tempo and scoring in bursts. How effectively the Rockets can slow the game down—and whether the Hornets can maintain their offensive rhythm against an elite defense—will be the defining factors.

From a betting perspective, this game hinges on which team imposes its preferred style. Houston’s home-court consistency versus Charlotte’s momentum-driven offense creates a high-contrast matchup that offers intriguing value depending on pace, efficiency, and in-game adjustments.

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FREE PICK Over 216.5

Yes, Houston plays slow—27th in pace, we know that—but Charlotte has turned their road games into cardio sessions, averaging nearly 228 total points over their last ten away from home. This team bombs threes like it’s a shootaround—top five in attempts and top three in makes—and that kind of spacing drags even slow teams into higher-scoring games. Now on the Houston side, don’t let the pace fool you: they’re top five in offensive rating, and when Sengun is cooking—and especially if KD is on the floor—this offense is surgical, not stagnant. Charlotte’s defense is middle of the pack at best, and here’s the punchline: both teams average exactly 116 points per game. So why is this total sitting at 216.5 like it’s a preseason scrimmage? Public sees ‘slow Rockets’ and slams Under; sharps see efficiency, volume, and a number that’s way too cheap