The Houston Rockets (15-36) visit AT&T Center to take on the San Antonio Spurs (19-34). Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Rockets vs. Spurs odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
Despite being 5-point home underdogs, the Rockets beat the Cavaliers 115-104 Wednesday in their last outing. They’re 5-5 against the spread (ATS) and O/U over their last 10.
The Rockets rank 17th in points per game (108.4 PPG) and last in opponents’ PPG (116.7). They’re just 7-20 on the road this season, yet 13-12-1 ATS as road underdogs.
The Spurs were without leading-scorer PG Dejounte Murray (19.6 PPG) due to a wrist injury Thursday, but he is expected to play Friday.
The Spurs are 27-26 ATS this season, including 8-4 as home favorites. However, they covered just 3 of their last 8.
Rockets at Spurs odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:37 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Rockets +250 (bet $100 to win $250) | Spurs -320 (bet $205 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Rockets +6.5 (-102) | Spurs -6.5 (-122)
- Over/Under (O/U): 237.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Rockets at Spurs key injuries
Rockets
- None
Spurs
- SG Lonnie Walker IV (knee) out
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Rockets at Spurs odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Spurs 118, Rockets 111
Money line
PASS.
The Spurs haven’t shown enough this season to be worthy of a -320 line.
The Rockets have played poorly on the road this season, making their +250 price a value I wouldn’t comfortably back.
Against the spread
LEAN to the SPURS -6.5 (-122).
The Spurs are one of the few teams that, on paper, are better than their record indicates. San Antonio ranks 15th in offensive rating and 20th in defensive rating, yet rank 24th in win percentage.
Assuming Murray plays as expected, the Spurs star should be rested. The Spurs are actually above .500 ATS (6-4) without rest. They are 8-4 as home favorites, so they manage to cover when taking on weaker teams.
Also, the Spurs rank second in turnover rate, while the Rockets are at the bottom of the league. Put it all together, and I like the Spurs to cover as long as Murray is in the lineup.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 237.5 (-110).
While both teams rank top five in pace, this total feels too high. The Spurs did post 134 points the last time these two teams met, but it’s unlikely they repeat 57% shooting.
The Spurs are 3-7 O/U on no rest. The Rockets are 5-5 O/U in their last 10 games, while the Spurs are 4-6 O/U.
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