Caley’s prediction: Rockets offense left stranded.
Feb 23, 2026 • 17:45 ET
• 4 min read
Photo By – Reuters Connect. Kevin Durant (7) complains about a call at Madison Square Garden.
The Houston Rockets are massive home favorites against the Utah Jazz tonight, but Houston has a problem getting buckets these days.
It seems a little odd considering the roster, but that’s exactly what’s happening to Kevin Durant & Co., and a matchup against Utah may not be as easy as it appears.
My Jazz vs. Rockets predictions and NBA picks explain why points will be hard to come by for the home team in this Western Conference matchup set to tip off at 9:30 pm ET on Monday, February 23.
Jazz vs Rockets prediction
Jazz vs Rockets best bet: Rockets team total Under 120.5 (-115)
The Houston Rockets have way too many problems scoring.
The Rockets rank 26th in offensive rating over their last 12 games. That’s worse than the Wizards. And their 104.9 points per game during that stretch are next-to-last.
Now, you’d think a matchup with the Utah Jazz would be the cure for what ails them. But hold on.
The Jazz were playing horrific defense for most of the first half, but they have ranked 10th in defensive rating since February 1.
Houston’s team total of 120.5 is inflated. The Rockets haven’t topped this number in 12 games.
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Jazz vs Rockets same-game parlay
What’s one way the Rockets can get more buckets? By moving the ball more. And that’s exactly what Reed Sheppard has been trying to do.
The second-year guard is averaging 4.0 assists over his last five games, topping 3.5 three times over that stretch. And while Utah has been playing better defense, the Jazz still rank dead last in opponent assists per possession.
The other thing that a struggling offense means is rebounds, and Lauri Markkanen has gone Over his number in five of his last six games.
Jazz vs Rockets SGP
- Rockets team total Under 120.5
- Reed Sheppard Over 3.5 assists
- Lauri Markkanen Over 4.5 rebounds
Our “from downtown” SGP: Rebound Town
The Rockets can’t shoot. The Jazz can’t rebound. Rebounds for all!
Jazz vs Rockets SGP
- Lauri Markkanen Over 4.5 rebounds
- Ace Bailey Over 3.5 rebounds
- Kevin Durant Over 5.5 rebounds
- Amen Thompson Over 7.5 rebounds
Jazz vs Rockets odds
- Spread: Jazz +13 (-110) | Rockets -13 (-110)
- Moneyline: Jazz +575 | Rockets -850
- Over/Under: Over 228.5 (-110) | Under 228.5 (-110)
Jazz vs Rockets betting trend to know
The Rockets have hit the Game Total Under in 21 of their last 25 games for +16.60 Units and a 60% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Jazz vs. Rockets.
How to watch Jazz vs Rockets
Location
Toyota Center, Houston, TX
Date
Monday, February 23, 2026
Tip-off
9:30 p.m. ET
TV
Peacock
Jazz vs Rockets latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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When his dreams of becoming the next Steve Nash died, all Andrew “Taco” Caley wanted to do was write about sports, something he’s been doing at Covers for more than a decade. A Journalism School grad from Holland College in Charlottetown, PEI, Andrew previously worked at The Chronicle Herald and Star Metro, but knew in his heart that his future lay in sports. He began at Covers as a news editor and has now done everything under the sun when it comes to content. His work has been seen on TSN, Sportsnet, VSiN, and CBS. These days Andrew’s betting expertise is focused on his favorite teams; the Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto Raptors. He’s also an avid college football fan and bettor. He can’t be friends with you if you don’t appreciate a Service Academy Under. The sportsbook where he does the bulk of his betting is bet365 thanks to its numerous prop betting options and competitive odds. His best advice? Find the balance between the numbers and what you see on the playing field. Then find the best price using multiple books. And don’t ask him where the nickname Taco comes from. It’s not an interesting story. Seriously.
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