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The Houston Rockets (0-1) meet the San Antonio Spurs (0-1) Friday in a battle of Southwest Division teams. Tipoff from Frost Bank Center is set for 8 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Rockets vs. Spurs odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
Season series: First meeting; tied 2-2 last season
Houston was routed 116-86 in its season opener Wednesday night against the Orlando Magic, failing to cover as a 4.5-point underdog. The Rockets were sloppy as they had 19 turnovers and committed 24 fouls. Houston was also dominated on the glass, being outrebounded 57-31.
San Antonio lost 126-119 to the Dallas Mavericks in its season opener Wednesday, failing to cover as a 4.5-point underdog. San Antonio turned the ball over 19 times to Dallas’ 12, with many of them being unforced errors. The Spurs had trouble preventing scoring in the paint, due to rookie standout F/C Victor Wembanyama being in foul trouble.
Rockets at Spurs odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 12:48 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Rockets +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Spurs -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Rockets +1.5 (-110) | Spurs -1.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 227.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Rockets at Spurs key injuries
Rockets
- F Tari Eason (leg) out
- C Jock Landale (head) out
- G Victor Oladipo (patellar tendon) out
Spurs
- G Devonte’ Graham (suspension) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
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Rockets at Spurs picks and predictions
Prediction
Spurs 105, Rockets 100
Moneyline
BET SPURS (-120).
Houston is trying to incorporate a lot of new pieces into its scheme, and that showed in the blowout loss to Orlando. Houston could not get anything going offensively in the loss and I expect to see that continue, to a lesser-degree, here. The Spurs were a few bad turnovers and missed Luka Doncic shots away from winning that game, so I have no reason to believe they will look worse vs. a Houston team that looked awful in its season opener.
Against the spread
LEAN SPURS -1.5 (-110).
San Antonio struggled a bit on the defensive side of the ball vs. Dallas, but luckily for the Spurs they don’t have to worry about guarding Doncic or Kyrie Irving in this game. Houston’s offense was abysmal vs. Orlando as the team’s 3-highest scorers all totaled only 14 points.
Over/Under
LEAN UNDER 227.5 (-110).
San Antonio does have some things to figure out defensively, but if Wembanyama can find a way to stay out of foul trouble the team will have success protecting the paint. With Houston’s offense struggling vs. an Orlando team with very few plus defenders I expect more of the same here. Houston has a lot to figure out and I expect it to take some time before we see noticeable improvement from its offense.
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