PREVIEW: The Houston Rockets enter this matchup ranked 1st in offensive rebounding at 32.4%, a strength they'll lean on against a Charlotte squad that allows 39.5 boards per game. Houston arrives with a 33-20 record sitting fourth in the Western Conference, while the Hornets sport a 26-29 mark in ninth place in the East. The Rockets rank 29th in passing and 30th in three-point attempts, suggesting they'll need to establish their interior game and limit turnovers. This is the second meeting between these teams this season, with Charlotte earning a 109-99 victory in their first encounter. Charlotte counters with elite spacing on offense and an efficient free-throw stroke at 82.1%, ranking in the top five defensively against rim attacks. However, the Hornets rank 29th in turnovers and 28th in forcing opponent mistakes, creating potential vulnerabilities the Rockets can exploit. Charlotte has been rolling lately at 9-1 over their last 10 games and fighting for playoff positioning, though they still lack the overall talent depth of Houston's roster. Houston looks to extend a four-game road winning streak in this Thursday night showdown at Spectrum Center.