As expected, the Wizards were rusty in their first game back since Jan. 11 against the Spurs. Yet Washington played a competitive first half, trailing by just one point. Although the Wizards remain shorthanded against Houston, they have motivation on their side. Take the Wizards as Russell Westbrook plays well against his former team and Bradley Beal plays well against ex-teammate John Wall.

For the first time in almost two weeks, the Wizards took the court against San Antonio on Sunday. They were missing several key players, which contributed to a 20-point loss. Washington also will be shorthanded for this matchup, while the Rockets are expected to have John Wall, Victor Oladipo and Eric Gordon appear in a game together for the first time. And even though Christian Wood (ankle) is doubtful, DeMarcus Cousins has played exceptionally well in his absence. Expect the Wizards to have a difficult time keeping this game close.

Wish I'd jumped on this sooner but I'll still lay it with Houston versus the depleted Wizards. In their first game back from a COVID-related pause, the Wizards lost by 20 at San Antonio. With John Wall, Victor Oladipo, Eric Gordon and P.J. Tucker leading the way, Houston has too much for Bradley Beal and co.

It's the first meeting between the Wizards and Rockets since they swapped All-Star point guards John Wall and Russell Westbrook on the eve of the season (see news feed story). The Wizards returned from a long COVID layoff Sunday and were blasted in San Antonio. They remain without six guys in the protocols and a couple more due to injury. Houston probably won't have Christian Wood due to injury but still should easily cover this number.