Rockets Edge Hornets in Close Contest
Thursday, February 19, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Spectrum Center
Houston Rockets 105, Charlotte Hornets 101, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Houston Rockets vs Charlotte Hornets?
Houston Rockets beat Charlotte Hornets 105-101 at Spectrum Center on February 19, 2026.
Who was favored in Houston Rockets vs Charlotte Hornets?
Houston Rockets were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -192 (about 66% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup at the Spectrum Center, the Houston Rockets defeated the Charlotte Hornets with a final score of 105-101. This victory allowed the Rockets to improve their record to 35-20, while the Hornets fell to 26-31. The series between these two teams is now tied at 1-1 this season, following the Hornets' earlier win against the Rockets on February 6, where they triumphed 109-99.
The Rockets entered this game with a mixed recent form, having won six of their last ten games, but they were on a one-game losing streak after falling to the LA Clippers 105-102 in their previous outing. They averaged 104.8 points scored and 104.6 points allowed over their last ten games. In contrast, the Hornets were riding high with a remarkable 9-1 record in their last ten games, including a win against the Atlanta Hawks just days before this matchup. They averaged 114.6 points scored and allowed 106.2 points during that stretch, showcasing their offensive prowess and solid defense.
At home, the Hornets had a record of 5-1 in their last six games, while the Rockets struggled on the road with a 3-4 record in their last seven away games. However, the Rockets had a perfect away record of 4-0 prior to this game, which added to the intrigue of the matchup.
In terms of injuries, both teams were dealing with key players listed as day-to-day. For the Hornets, Brandon Miller and PJ Hall were both nursing shoulder and ankle injuries, respectively. The Rockets were also facing uncertainty with Kevin Durant, Fred VanVleet, and Steven Adams all listed as day-to-day due to ankle and knee issues. Their statuses were closely monitored leading up to the game, as their presence could significantly impact the teams' performances.
The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had the Rockets favored with a spread of 4.5 points, indicating a belief in their ability to secure a win despite their recent struggles. The total for the game was set at 218.5, reflecting expectations for a competitive scoring affair.
The game conditions were conducive for basketball, with both teams looking to capitalize on their strengths. The Hornets were expected to leverage their home-court advantage, while the Rockets aimed to bounce back from their recent loss and assert their dominance in the series.
As the game unfolded, Kevin Durant played a pivotal role for the Rockets, scoring crucial points in the fourth quarter, including a series of jump shots that helped seal the victory. His performance was complemented by contributions from teammates like Grant Williams and Kon Knueppel, who also made key baskets during the closing moments of the game.
The Hornets fought hard, but ultimately, they were unable to overcome the Rockets' late-game execution. The final scoring plays highlighted the Rockets' ability to maintain composure under pressure, allowing them to secure the win and keep their playoff aspirations alive. This matchup not only showcased the competitive nature of the NBA but also set the stage for a potential playoff clash between these two teams as the season progresses.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | HOU -4.5 | 218.5 o -108 / u -112 | Houston Rockets -192 · Charlotte Hornets +160 |
Injury report
- Brandon MillerDay-To-DayShoulderCharlotte Hornets
- PJ HallDay-To-DayAnkleCharlotte Hornets
- Kevin DurantDay-To-DayAnkleHouston Rockets
- Fred VanVleetDay-To-DayKneeHouston Rockets
- Steven AdamsDay-To-DayAnkleHouston Rockets
Leaders
- PointsGrant Williams20Charlotte Hornets
- AssistsBrandon Miller7Charlotte Hornets
- ReboundsGrant Williams9Charlotte Hornets
- PointsKevin Durant35Houston Rockets
- AssistsAlperen Sengun7Houston Rockets
- ReboundsKevin Durant8Houston Rockets
Recent form
Charlotte Hornets
Last 10: 9-1Streak W1114.6 scored · 106.2 allowed per game5-1 at home
- W110-107vs Atlanta HawksFeb 12
- L104-110vs Detroit PistonsFeb 10
- W126-119at Atlanta HawksFeb 8
- W109-99at Houston RocketsFeb 6
- W102-95vs New Orleans PelicansFeb 2
- W111-106vs San Antonio SpursJan 31
- W123-121at Dallas MavericksJan 30
- W112-97at Memphis GrizzliesJan 29
- W130-93vs Philadelphia 76ersJan 26
- W119-115vs Washington WizardsJan 24
Houston Rockets
Last 10: 6-4Streak L1104.8 scored · 104.6 allowed per game3-0 away
- L102-105vs LA ClippersFeb 12
- W102-95vs LA ClippersFeb 11
- W112-106at Oklahoma City ThunderFeb 7
- L99-109vs Charlotte HornetsFeb 6
- L93-114vs Boston CelticsFeb 5
- W118-114at Indiana PacersFeb 3
- W111-107vs Dallas MavericksFeb 1
- W104-86at Atlanta HawksJan 30
- L99-111vs San Antonio SpursJan 29
- W108-99vs Memphis GrizzliesJan 27
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Antonio | - | 20 | L1 | .756 | 62 |
| Houston | 10 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| New Orleans | 36 | 56 | L2 | .317 | 26 |
| Dallas | 36 | 56 | W1 | .317 | 26 |
| Memphis | 37 | 57 | L8 | .305 | 25 |
| Atlanta | - | 36 | L1 | .561 | 46 |
| Orlando | 1 | 37 | L1 | .549 | 45 |
| Charlotte | 2 | 38 | W1 | .537 | 44 |
| Miami | 3 | 39 | W2 | .524 | 43 |
| Washington | 29 | 65 | L10 | .207 | 17 |
Box score
| Stat | Houston Rockets | Charlotte Hornets |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 42-86 | 36-84 |
| Field goal % | 49 | 43 |
| Three-pointers | 9-32 | 14-42 |
| Three-point % | 28 | 33 |
| Free throws | 12-13 | 15-18 |
| Free throw % | 92 | 83 |
| Rebounds | 39 | 46 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 31 | 34 |
| Assists | 19 | 25 |
| Steals | 15 | 7 |
| Blocks | 8 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 16 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 15 | 23 |
| Fast-break points | 16 | 8 |
| Points in the paint | 48 | 32 |
| Fouls | 15 | 12 |
| Largest lead | 11 | 11 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 38 | 54 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter65-69Brandon Miller makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter65-72Brandon Miller makes 22-foot running jump shot (LaMelo Ball assists)
- 3rd Quarter67-72Alperen Sengun makes 10-foot turnaround jump shot
- 3rd Quarter67-74LaMelo Ball makes 22-foot step back jumpshot
- 3rd Quarter69-74Kevin Durant makes 11-foot pullup jump shot
- 3rd Quarter72-74Jabari Smith Jr. makes 25-foot three point jumper (Kevin Durant assists)
- 3rd Quarter72-77Tidjane Salaun makes 27-foot three point jumper (LaMelo Ball assists)
- 3rd Quarter73-77Reed Sheppard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter74-77Reed Sheppard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter76-77Amen Thompson makes tip shot
- 3rd Quarter78-77Dorian Finney-Smith makes two point shot (Amen Thompson assists)
- 3rd Quarter80-77Kevin Durant makes 12-foot pullup jump shot
- 3rd Quarter80-78Tidjane Salaun makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter80-80Grant Williams makes 11-foot jumper (Kon Knueppel assists)
- 4th Quarter82-80Reed Sheppard makes running layup
- 4th Quarter82-82Tre Mann makes 13-foot fade away jump shot
- 4th Quarter84-82Reed Sheppard makes 18-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter84-84Ryan Kalkbrenner makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter86-84Jae'Sean Tate makes 1-foot layup (Alperen Sengun assists)
- 4th Quarter89-84Dorian Finney-Smith makes 25-foot three point jumper (Alperen Sengun assists)
- 4th Quarter91-84Reed Sheppard makes running layup
- 4th Quarter93-84Alperen Sengun makes 1-foot two point shot (Reed Sheppard assists)
- 4th Quarter95-84Alperen Sengun makes 6-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter95-85Brandon Miller makes free throw 1 of 3
- 4th Quarter95-86Brandon Miller makes free throw 2 of 3
- 4th Quarter95-87Brandon Miller makes free throw 3 of 3
- 4th Quarter95-89Sion James makes driving layup (Brandon Miller assists)
- 4th Quarter95-90PJ Hall makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter95-91PJ Hall makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter97-91Kevin Durant makes 15-foot pullup jump shot (Alperen Sengun assists)
- 4th Quarter97-92Grant Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter97-93Grant Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter99-93Kevin Durant makes 18-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter101-93Kevin Durant makes 9-foot running pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter101-95Grant Williams makes 8-foot fade away jump shot
- 4th Quarter101-98Kon Knueppel makes 23-foot three point jumper (Sion James assists)
- 4th Quarter103-98Kevin Durant makes 17-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter103-101Kon Knueppel makes 26-foot three point jumper (Brandon Miller assists)
- 4th Quarter104-101Kevin Durant makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter105-101Kevin Durant makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Charlotte Hornets, below favours Houston Rockets.
Venue
- Spectrum CenterCharlotte, NC
- Attendance19622
- OfficialsBrian Forte, Scott Foster, Pat O'Connell
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