Rockets at Hornets Under 235 1/2

Neither team is good defensively. But circumstances, current form and a very high total make the Under a worthy play.

The teams met earlier this season on Nov. 27. The Rockets won, 146-43, in overtime. Maybe the oddsmaker considered that in making this total so large.

But things are different now. Each team has been idle for the past four days. That should mean some offensive rust.

The Rockets have been held to 106 or fewer points in four of their past six games. The Hornets held the Nuggets to 107 points in their last game. That was the fewest points Charlotte allowed in nearly a month.

Note the series history, too. The Under has cashed in nine of the past 11 meetings in Charlotte.