The Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder meet Saturday in NBA action at the Paycom Center. Here’s a Thunder vs Rockets Prediction. This article will include a Thunder vs Rockets Pick.
Houston Rockets Betting Preview
The Houston Rockets lost to the Celtics and Hornets, and they play the Clippers next. The Rockets have won 9 of their last 14 games.
The Houston Rockets are averaging 115.5 points on 47.2 percent shooting and allowing 110.1 points on 46 percent shooting. Kevin Durant is averaging 26.2 points and 5.4 rebounds, while Alperen Sengun is averaging 21.4 points and 9.4 rebounds. Amen Thompson is the third double-digit scorer, and Jabari Smith Jr. is grabbing 6.9 rebounds. The Houston Rockets are shooting 36.9 percent from beyond the arc and 75.3 percent from the free-throw line. The Houston Rockets are allowing 34.8 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 49.1 rebounds per game.
Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Preview
The Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Magic, lost to the Spurs, and then play the Lakers next. The Thunder have won 44 of their last 56 regular season games.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are averaging 120.9 points on 49.2 percent shooting and allowing 107.9 points on 43.2 percent shooting. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 32.1 points and 6.2 assists, while Chet Holmgren is averaging 17.8 points and 8.6 rebounds. Jalen Williams is the third double-digit scorer and Ajay Mitchell is grabbing 3.5 rebounds. The Oklahoma City Thunder are shooting 35.9 percent from beyond the arc and 82.4 percent from the free throw line. The Oklahoma City Thunder are allowing 37.3 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 43.6 rebounds per game.
Why the Oklahoma City Thunder will win
- The Thunder have won each of their last eight home games when playing with a rest advantage.
- The Rockets have lost each of their last seven games at Paycom Center following a loss.
- The Rockets have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four games.
- The Thunder have covered the spread in five of their last six home games when playing with a rest advantage.
Why the Houston Rockets will win
- The Rockets have won three of their last four games as road underdogs.
- The Rockets have covered the spread in each of their last six road games following a home loss.
- The Thunder have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four home games following a loss.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Rockets’ last 13 games against Western Conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of the last four games between the Rockets and Thunder at Paycom Center have gone OVER the total points line.
Oklahoma City Thunder Player Facts
- Cason Wallace ranks 1st amongst qualified players for steals per game (2.1) this season.
- Chet Holmgren is one of only two players to have made 9+ field goals without a miss in a game this season.
Houston Rockets Player Facts
- Tari Eason ranks 2nd amongst qualified players for 3P% (48.8%) this season.
- Amen Thompson ranks 2nd in the league for points in the paint (610) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Thunder rank 1st in the league for points per game this season (120.2).
- The Thunder rank 1st in the league for opponent points per game this season (107.9).
- The Rockets rank 1st in the league for rebounds per game this season (49.0).
- The Rockets rank 1st in the league for offensive rebounds per game this season (16.1).
Thunder vs Rockets Injury Report
The Thunder will be without Thomas Sorber, Nikola Topic, Jalen Williams, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Ajay Mitchell.
The Rockets will be without Fred VanVleet, Jae’Sean Tate, and Steven Adams.
Thunder vs Rockets Prediction
The Thunder are going to get the benefit of the doubt because they’re the Thunder and they’re at home. However, the Thunder are down their best player and others, and they’re 25-26-1 ATS. As I’ve said before, this isn’t the same cash cow OKC team we’ve seen the last two seasons. The Rockets are healthier and need a statement win like this to convince themselves they’re a legitimate title contender. The Rockets are also coming off inexcusable losses to the Celtics and Hornets. Give me the road dog on Saturday afternoon.