Rockets vs. Wizards odds, prediction, spread, time: 2026 NBA picks for Monday, March 2 from proven model
CBS Sports
by
Daniel Lewis
March 2, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Houston Rockets are heavy favorites as they face the struggling Washington Wizards on Monday night in a crucial matchup that could further solidify Houston's position in the Western Conference standings. With a 15.5-point spread and an over/under of 224.5 points, the game is expected to be a high-scoring affair, especially given the Wizards' defensive struggles and their absence of key players like Sarr, who is out with a hamstring injury. The Rockets, meanwhile, boast a strong offense led by Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun, and Amen Thompson, all of whom are healthy and ready to play.
The Wizards have been in a slump, dropping four straight games and sitting at 16-43 in the Eastern Conference standings, far out of playoff contention. Their defensive efficiency ranks 29th in the league, which could allow the Rockets' high-powered offense to thrive. Houston, currently third in the West with a 37-22 record, is looking to extend their winning streak and maintain momentum on their road trip. The absence of Kyshawn George (knee) for Washington adds another layer of challenge, as he would have provided valuable defense against Houston's guards.
SportsLine's Projection Model has simulated the game thousands of times and predicts a high-scoring contest, with the "over" being the better bet. The model highlights Houston's offensive efficiency and the Wizards' defensive weaknesses, particularly without Sarr, a key rim protector. In their previous meeting, the teams combined for 247 points, easily exceeding the total set at 236.5. This time around, the model projects 225 points, making "over" a strong
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 3/2/2026