Nets vs. Rockets NBA expert prediction and odds for Wednesday, Jan. 3 (Bet on Houston at home)

The Houston Rockets are back over .500 after picking up a blowout win over the Detroit Pistons on Monday night. 

One of the best defensive teams in the league (Houston is sixth in the NBA in defensive rating), the Rockets are looking to take down one of the worst defensive teams – the Brooklyn Nets (24th in defensive rating) – on Wednesday. 

This is the second game of a back-to-back for Brooklyn, who is just 2-8 in its last 10 games and has lost four straight. 

Should bettors take the Rockets to win and cover at home? 

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Nets vs. Rockets odds, spread and total 

Nets vs. Rockets how to watch

• Date: Wednesday, Jan. 3
• Game Time: 8:00 p.m. EST
• Venue: State Farm Arena
• How to Watch (TV): YES Network, AT&T SportsNet Southwest
• Nets Record: 15-19
• Rockets Record: 16-15

Nets vs. Rockets injury reports

Nets injury report

• Not submitted

Rockets injury report

• Dillon Brooks – out
• Tari Eason – questionable
• Nate Hinton – out
• Victor Oladipo – out
• Jermaine Samuels Jr. – out
• Nate Williams – out

Nets vs. Rockets key players to watch

Brooklyn Nets

Cameron Johnson: I’ve been impressed with Cam Johnson as of late, and he could be the difference-maker if the Nets want to turn around this nasty stretch. The veteran forward is averaging 17.9 points per game over his last seven games while shooting 53.5 percent from 3. 

Houston Rockets

Jalen Green: Jalen Green’s resurgence continued against the Pistons, as he scored 22 points in 27 minutes while hitting 5-of-9 shots from beyond the arc. Can Green put up another 20-point game against a Nets defense that is bottom-10 in the NBA right now? 

Nets vs. Rockets prediction and pick

I’m fully fading the Brooklyn Nets on the second night of a back-to-back, as the team has covered the spread just one time in its last 11 games. 

The Nets were blown out by the Pelicans on Tuesday night, and the team ranks 27th in the NBA in net rating over its last 10 games. 

Meanwhile, Houston has dominated as a home favorite this season, going 6-2-1 ATS and winning those games by an average margin of 10.2 points per game. 

I can’t get behind the Nets at a shorter number than yesterday (they were +6 against New Orleans), especially if the team ends up ruling players out on the second night of a back-to-back. 

Houston should roll at home.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Find Peter Dewey's NBA betting record here (futures included). You can also follow my daily plays on BetStamp here.