Oklahoma City Thunder at Houston Rockets odds, picks and predictions

The Oklahoma City Thunder (24-26) battle the Houston Rockets (12-38) Wednesday. Tip from Toyota Center is set for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Thunder vs. Rockets odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

The Rockets beat the Pistons in Detroit last time out on Saturday, winning outright 117-114 as 5.5-point underdogs. However, Houston is just 2-8 against the spread (ATS) over its last 10 and 20-29-1 ATS on the season. The Rockets are led in scoring by G Jalen Green, who is averaging 21.7 points per game.

The Thunder lost to the Golden State Warriors 128-120 Monday, failing to cover as 5-point home underdogs. They are 7-2-1 ATS over their last 10 games and are a strong 31-18-1 ATS on the season. Oklahoma City is led by G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is averaging 30.9 points per game.

Houston beat Oklahoma City 118-105 at Toyota Center on Nov. 26, comfortably winning as a 1.5-point underdog as the Under (232.5) connection in their only battle so far this season.

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Thunder at Rockets odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:33 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Thunder -210 (bet $210 to win $100) | Rockets +180 (bet $100 to win $180)
Against the spread (ATS): Thunder -5.5 (-110) | Rockets +5.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 232.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

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Thunder at Rockets key injuries

Thunder

G Lu Dort (hamstring) out

Rockets

G Jalen Green (calf) out
G Kevin Porter Jr. (foot) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

Thunder at Rockets picks and predictions

Prediction

Thunder 121, Rockets 113

Moneyline

PASS.

OKC (-210) is good, but it isn’t great, and it’s unplayable on the road as a heavy favorite. The Rockets (+180) are almost an interesting consideration despite being down Green, just for the value.

Nonetheless, avoid the moneyline.

Against the spread

BET THUNDER -5.5 (-110).

The Thunder have been covering at a higher rate than the Rockets both in recent games and throughout the season. They also have the best player on the court by a large margin which should aid their ability to pull away despite being on the road.

The Thunder are the second-best-covering team on the road this season, 15-8-1 ATS. Meanwhile, Houston is 10-12-2 ATS at home. The explosiveness won’t be there for the Rockets’ offense without Green and Porter Jr.

Over/Under

LEAN OVER 232.5 (-108).

The Thunder are 29-21 O/U this season and are 5-5 O/U in their last 10 games. The Rockets are also 5-5 O/U in their last 10 and 24-26 O/U on the season. OKC ranks No. 3 in the NBA in pace, so it should want to push the tempo in this battle.

The Thunder are 5th in turnover rate, so they push it effectively with SGA. That should lead to scoring and an upbeat Rockets offense playing catchup. Ultimately, take the OVER 232.5 (-108).

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