The Oklahoma City Thunder (24-19) descend upon Space City to play the Houston Rockets (26-15) in the Toyota Center at 5:00 p.m. ET. We analyze Thunder-Rockets odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.
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Thunder at Rockets: Key injuries
THUNDER
- SF Abdel Nader (ankle) questionable
- SG Terrance Ferguson (personal) out
- SG Andre Roberson (knee) out
ROCKETS
- PG Austin Rivers (thumb) questionable
- SG Gerald Green (foot) out
- C Nene Hilario (groin) out
Thunder at Rockets: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips
NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 12:30 p.m. ET.
Prediction
Rockets 112, Thunder 108
Moneyline (ML)
Intensity will be high in the Thunder-Rockets game as two above .500 teams, who’ve exchanged multiple superstars, are pitted against each other. The season series is 1-1 but the Thunder put an impressive 21-point beatdown on the Rockets at home on Jan. 9. Rockets PG Russell Westbrook stepped up in his first visit to Oklahoma City, with 34 points, but the Thunder backcourt held SG James Harden to just 17 points on 5-for-17 shooting. This is a PASS on the MONEYLINE because the several forthcoming reasons why I like the Thunder to keep it close, the Rockets’ motivation due to Thunder winning three out of four in this matchup and the poor Rockets -286 moneyline value.
Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
The Thunder are among the best against the spread teams on the road: Oklahoma City is 15-5 ATS on the road, 13-4 ATS as a road underdog and 4-2 ATS on the road against above .500 teams. They’ve lost five of their last six games against the Rockets. But how much of that is due to head coach Billy Donovan versus Mike D’Antoni compared to players who’ve since been moved? Also, the Rockets have lost their past three games, both outright and ATS.
From a roster standpoint, these teams match up too well to not BET THUNDER +6.5 (-106). We know the backcourts are competitive, but who can pick between centers Steven Adams and Clint Capela or guards Eric Gordon and Dennis Schröder?
Over/Under (O/U)
Historically BetMGM tends to price Thunder-Rockets totals against public perception, which is that both teams have high-octane offenses, and that’s why the Under is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings. Going along with fading public perception of the Rockets games, Houston is tied with the third-most Unders this season. Plus the Rockets play lower-scoring games against tough competition; the Under is 5-1 in Rockets last six against a team with a winning straight up record.
TAKE UNDER 229.5 (-106).
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