Both teams have shown mixed results in their last three outings. The Washington Wizards recently suffered losses against the New Orleans Pelicans, with scores of 98-110 and 120-132, although they managed a convincing victory over the Chicago Bulls, 125-107. This indicates a struggle with consistency, particularly on defense. The Rockets, on the other hand, have had a slightly better run, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 119-115 and the Dallas Mavericks 110-99, despite a tough loss to the Boston Celtics, 86-109. These performances suggest a more balanced approach from the Rockets, with the ability to bounce back quickly from setbacks. Analyzing the expected starting five, the Wizards have a mix of offensive capabilities but struggle defensively, with average defensive ratings above 117 for most players. Jordan Poole stands out with an average of 21.82 points per game, but the team's overall defensive efforts might hinder them. The Rockets boast stronger defensive ratings, particularly from Fred VanVleet and Alperen Sengun, who also contribute significantly on offense with ratings of 112.7 and 115.5 respectively. Jalen Green's 20 points per game further solidify their offensive threat, offering a more well-rounded lineup.