The Oklahoma City Thunder (4-1) and Houston Rockets (5-1) meet for the first time this season on Saturday at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Tip-off is at 8:30 p.m. ET (NBA TV). Let's analyze NBA odds around the Thunder vs. Rockets odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: First meeting; Thunder won 2-1 last season
The Thunder won their first 4 games of the season before seeing that winning streak snapped on Wednesday in a 120-96 road loss to the Dallas Mavericks as 5.5-point favorites with the Under (227.5) cashing. They were playing shorthanded and trailed by as many as 27 points.
The Rockets had their 5-game winning streak to start the season snapped on Friday by the Mavericks. The Rockets lost 116-111
as 6.5-point road favorites with the Over (223.5) cashing. Mavs F Cooper Flagg scored 33, and G Kyrie Irving scored 35. The Rockets had an 8-point lead entering the third quarter, and the Mavs outscored them 40-27 in the final period.
Watch the NBA on Fubo!
Thunder at Rockets odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:15 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Thunder +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Rockets -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Thunder +3.5 (-115) | Rockets -3.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 218.5 (O: -118 | U: -110)
Thunder at Rockets key injuries
Thunder
- G Alex Caruso (ankle) out
- C Chet Holmgren (knee) out
- C Thomas Sorber (knee) out
- G Nikola Topic (back) out
- F Cason Wallace (shoulder) out
- G Jalen Williams (ankle) out
Rockets
(Not yet submitted -- below was for Friday's game)
- C Steven Adams (calf) out
- C Alperen Sengun (back) questionable
- G Reed Sheppard (back) out
- G Marcus Smart (forearm) questionable
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Thunder at Rockets picks and predictions
Prediction
Rockets 112, Thunder 101
Moneyline
The Thunder continue to be very shorthanded with no Caruso, Holmgren, Wallace or Williams.
Houston is healthier and lost by fewer points to Dallas than the Thunder did in the same week. F Kevin Durant will be a matchup problem for the Thunder.
BET ROCKETS (-150).
Against the spread
The Thunder's only loss was by 24 points. The Rockets are 5-0 ATS in their 5 outright wins. The Rockets were 2-1 ATS vs. the Thunder last season. All their wins have been by at least 4 points.
BET ROCKETS -3.5 (-105).
Over/Under
The Over has chased just once in the Thunder's 5 games this season. The Over has cashed in 5 of the Rockets' 6 games.
Since the Thunder failed to score 100 last game and are missing the same players, they will struggle.
BET UNDER 218.5 (-110).
Best prop bet
Thunder G Jared McCain 4+ THREE-POINTERS (+250)
McCain went 0-for-6 from three against the Mavs on Wednesday. Twice he has hit 4+ threes in a game this season.
Betting odds calculator
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Follow SportsbookWire on X at SportsBookWire and on Facebook.
Access more NBA coverage:
HoopsHype | Celtics Wire | Lakers Wire | Nets Wire | Rockets Wire | Sixers Wire | Thunder Wire | Warriors Wire | Rookie Wire | List Wire
This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: Oklahoma City Thunder at Houston Rockets odds, picks and predictions
Advertiser disclosure: USA TODAY may earn a commission when you sign up through links on this page. Commissions never influence our editorial coverage or rankings. Offers and odds were accurate at publication and are subject to change; terms apply — see the operator’s site. This is general information, not betting, legal or financial advice. To the fullest extent permitted by law, USA TODAY is not liable for losses arising from your use of it.
Must be 21+ (18+ where permitted). Sports betting and casino gaming are not legal everywhere; complying with the laws where you are located is your responsibility. Gamble only with funds you can afford to lose. Gambling problem? Help is available 24/7 — call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, or call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET. State helplines and responsible gaming resources.
