Game 3 of the Western Conference first-round series between the Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder tips off Saturday at 6 p.m. ET in the Orlando bubble. We analyze the Thunder-Rockets NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.
Series: Houston leads 2-0.
Rockets vs. Thunder: Key injuries
Rockets
- PG Russell Westbrook (quadriceps) out
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Rockets vs. Thunder: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips
NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 1:50 p.m. ET.
Prediction
Thunder 110, Rockets 102
Moneyline (ML)
Series odds:
- Houston (-1112)
- Oklahoma City (+700)
Two things have stood out in Houston’s wins in Game 1 and 2: Defense and bench performance. The Rockets (-139) defense stifled the THUNDER (+115) in their 111-98 Game 2 win, holding OKC to just 11 made 3’s in 32 attempts — compared to Houston’s 19 made 3’s in 56 attempts. The Rockets’ bench has outscored the Thunder’s 74-47 and made seven more 3’s through two games.
But Oklahoma City is going to be desperate for a win to get back into this series and that should mean less Thunder bench. Plus, PG Chris Paul and SF Luguentz Dort will anchor a strong defensive performance.
Dort held Rockets SG James Harden to just 21 points on 2 of 11 3-point shooting. If Dort can make Harden work a little harder Saturday, the role players should be able to close out on shooters and we’ll see some Rockets regression in 3’s.
TAKE THUNDER (+115) to put forth the defensive effort needed and to get back into the series.
New to sports betting? A $50 bet on the Thunder (+115) earns a $57.50 profit if OKC upsets Houston.
Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
This is a bit of a sweet spot line for OKC, which has a 17-7 ATS record when getting 1-2.5 points. The Thunder +2 (-106) can’t go down 3-0, making this a “must-win,” but you could also make the argument that Rockets -2 (-115) want to step on OKC’s throat in Game 3.
We “like” OKC on the moneyline so let’s buy a half-point and GRAB THUNDER +2.5 (-115) in case Rockets win by a single possession or buzzer-beater. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
A $115 wager on Thunder here earns a $100 profit if OKC wins outright or loses by two or fewer points.
- Rockets Wire – The latest Houston coverage
- Thunder Wire – The latest OKC coverage
Over/Under (O/U)
If the Rockets get hot from deep, the Thunder won’t be able to keep up the scoring. It would be better for OKC — which needs to make it difficult for Houston and play at its pace — if this game goes UNDER 222.5 (-110).
I’d only wager a small amount though because I won’t bet an Over/Under unless I “love” a total.
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