Washington-wizards vs Houston Rockets Picks and Predictions January 7th 2025

Washington-Wizards vs Houston Rockets January 7th 2025

At 7:00 ET, the Washington Wizards (6-27) will host the Houston Rockets (23-12) in a non-conference matchup. The Rockets are favored by 11.5 points and have a moneyline of -613. The over/under line is set at 225.5.

This game will be played at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. and can be seen on SCHN. The Wizards have lost two straight and are currently 15th in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Rockets are 2nd in the West and 1st in the Southwest Division.

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Rockets vs. Wizards Key Information

The Rockets improved to 23-12 with a 119-115 win over the Lakers on Sunday. Playing at home, Houston was favored by 4.5 points but didn’t cover the spread. The total points of 234 exceeded the 217.5 O/U line by 16.5 points.

Houston started strong, going on an 11-0 run to push the score from 33-22 to 44-22. They led 67-49 at halftime but allowed the Lakers to outscore them 40-24 in the 3rd quarter. The Rockets regained control in the 4th, edging the Lakers 28-26.

Jalen Green led the Rockets to a win over the Lakers, scoring 33 points and hitting 5 threes at 41.7%. He had 18 points in the 1st quarter and added 10 more in the 3rd. Amen Thompson contributed 23 points and 16 rebounds, shooting 57.9% from the field.

Houston made 14 threes, shooting 35% from deep and 47.5% overall. Fred VanVleet added 15 points, with 6 coming in the 4th quarter. He also hit 3 threes, shooting 37.5% from beyond the arc.

Despite a rough 3rd quarter where they gave up 40 points, the Rockets managed to hold the Lakers to 115 points and secure the win. Houston allowed 27 points in the 2nd quarter but tightened up in the 4th, giving up just 26 points.

Houston’s defense struggled to contain the Lakers from deep, allowing 16 threes on 44% shooting. They also sent the Lakers to the line 28 times, where they converted 23 free throws. The Rockets finished with 31 defensive rebounds, giving up 10 offensive boards, and recorded 3 steals and 4 blocks.

Washington’s struggles continued on Sunday with a 110-98 home loss to the Pelicans, dropping their record to 6-27. The Wizards, who were +6 point underdogs, failed to cover the spread. The game’s total of 208 points fell well short of the 231.5-point O/U line.

A 17-0 run by New Orleans turned a 22-21 game into a 39-21 lead, putting the Wizards in a deep hole. Washington battled back, outscoring the Pelicans 53-50 in the second half, but the early deficit was too much to overcome.

In their 110-98 loss to the Pelicans, the Wizards struggled offensively, shooting just 42.7% from the field and 26.8% from three-point range. They made 11 threes in the game, with Kyle Kuzma leading the way, hitting 2 threes at 40% efficiency and finishing with a team-high 28 points.

Alexandre Sarr contributed 18 points and 11 rebounds, connecting on 3 threes at 50%. Jared Butler added 17 points, with 9 of those coming in the 2nd quarter, and Carlton Carrington scored 11 of his 16 points in the 3rd quarter.

Despite a strong defensive effort, the Wizards couldn’t overcome a rough 1st quarter, where they gave up 33 points, leading to a 110-98 loss to the Pelicans. Washington tightened up in the 3rd, allowing just 24 points, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide.

Overall, the Wizards held New Orleans to 41% shooting, but the Pelicans hit 18 threes at a 36% clip. Washington sent New Orleans to the line 20 times, where they made 18 free throws. The Wizards grabbed 37 defensive rebounds, allowed 11 offensive boards, and recorded 6 steals and 4 blocks.

As the underdogs with a spread of +11.5, we recommend going with the Wizards on the point spread. We not only see them covering the spread but also have a strong likelihood of winning this one outright, especially if you’re seeking a higher payout on the moneyline.

Right now, the over/under line for the game is sitting at 225.5 and given that our model is projecting 245 points between the teams, we like the over.

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Rockets Begin Extended Road Stretch at Cellar-Dwelling Wizards

The Houston Rockets, bolstered by a strong performance from Amen Thompson in their latest victory, look to maintain momentum as they kick off a road-heavy portion of their schedule against the Washington Wizards on Tuesday.

Rockets Rejuvenated by Thompson’s Return

Second-year forward Amen Thompson delivered a standout performance on Sunday, recording a season-high 23 points and a career-best 16 rebounds in Houston’s 119-115 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. His return from a two-game suspension was a welcome boost for the Rockets, who concluded a five-game homestand with a 2-3 record.

Thompson’s impact was immediate and multifaceted, showcasing his ability to influence the game offensively, defensively, and on the boards.

“It’s evident the pace he plays with, attacking downhill,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said. “Touching the paint and getting easy stuff for everybody else besides the defense, of course. It was obviously pretty apparent right from the start.”

The Rockets are optimistic about another key contributor, Tari Eason, who has missed nine games with a leg injury. Udoka hinted at a possible return for Eason on Tuesday. The forward’s energy and defensive prowess could provide a further lift for Houston as they prepare to play 13 of their next 17 games on the road.

Green Leads the Offense

Jalen Green carried the scoring load against the Lakers, finishing with 33 points, including 18 in the first quarter. When the Lakers adjusted their defensive strategy, Green adapted, involving his teammates and maintaining his composure without committing a turnover.

“It’s something he’s got to be accustomed to when he has those nights and understanding teams are going to come after him,” Udoka said. “I think he did a good job overall taking care of the ball.”

Wizards Seek to Regain Momentum

The Wizards (6-30) have struggled mightily this season, holding the NBA’s worst record and coming off a 110-98 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday. Despite recent signs of progress, including a surprising 18-point win over the Chicago Bulls on New Year’s Day, the team remains mired at the bottom of the Eastern Conference.

Washington has been hit hard by injuries, with starters Jordan Poole (hip) and Bilal Coulibaly (illness) missing their last game. For a team already short on top-tier talent, these absences have been particularly costly.

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Despite their challenges, Wizards coach Brian Keefe is focused on the positives.

“We’re trending,” Keefe said. “We’re doing stuff that’s positive (and going) in the right direction. Sometimes you have these games. You move forward.”

Matchup Outlook

Houston enters the matchup with momentum and an improving defensive identity, while the Wizards continue to struggle on both ends of the court. The Rockets’ ability to build on their recent win and capitalize on Washington’s depleted roster could set the tone for their road-heavy schedule ahead.