Posted at 10:45 AM EST. Odds subject to change.

Pinnacle -9½ -111 BET365 -9½ -110 Sportsinteraction -9½ -110 888Sport -9½ -117

Houston -9½ over Washington

Best Odds: -110 at BET365 and Sportsinteraction

7:10 PM EST. Taking the Rockets at this kind of price is rather spooky, we get it, but there's no denying that Ime Udoka's team has hit its stride as we near the postseason. In a league where coaching seems to matter way less than other team sports, Udoka's presence has made an instant difference in Houston. Not long ago he was the celebrated head-man of the Boston Celtics, a team seemingly destined to win an NBA title with its stacked roster and at that time, with a gritty and tough attitude that Udoka instilled. One sexual harassment case later and Udoka's services were no longer needed in Boston, but it's clear to see that the man has real influence when he's given an opportunity to lead. 

With Udoka's help, Houston assembled a bunch of blue-collar, two-way players this past offseason, none more controversial than Dillon Brooks, and that's also paid dividends. For most of the season, the Rockets' defense has been one of the best in the association (ranked 8th), and while their offense needs work (ranked 24th), they've rode their physicality and team-chemistry and it often worked, especially when they're facing average to lower-tier programs. With just 15 games remaining, the Rockets are only 3 games out of the play-in tournament, but they've won 5 in a row and 7 of their last 8. Houston is surging and their easy schedule has been helpful. It should continue aiding their efforts tonight.

Enter the Washington Wizards. Few teams have been as pitiful this season, and as much as critics might chastise the Rockets' performance on the road, the Wizards are even worse at home. Winning just four games in DC all season, the Wizards are not only down and out and beyond anything meaningful resulting from this year's NBA schedule, but now they're very injured. Their leading scorer, Kyle Kuzma (who has very volatile motivation issues), is officially questionable for tonight with a shoulder ailment. Starters Tyus Jones, Deni Advija (who's become a more important role-player), and Marvin Bagley III are all out tonight, too. Jordan Poole continues to have outings that resemble a high-school player (41.1% from the field this season, yikes), and the Wizards are even missing important depth pieces like Landry Shamet and Eugene Omoruyi. 

There is absolutely nothing to suggest that the current roster of the Wizards can hang with a motivated and healthy Rockets' team, which might be the scariest part of this wager. Regardless, we can't look away. The Rockets will be missing their star-center tonight, Alperen Sengun, but lately it hasn't mattered. In their last 8 games, Houston is 12th offensively, 4th defensively, and 4th overall in net rating. They've also covered ATS in 8 of their last 9 contests. It's smelly, it's not comfortable, it's a little bit gross - but it's also that time of year. The Rockets care way more about their win-streak continuing and their playoff-chances improving, and we simply must pull the trigger. 

Farley

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