The Houston Rockets (1-0) and San Antonio Spurs (0-1) meet Friday for their first of 4 matchups in the 2026-27 season. Tip from Moody Center in Austin, Texas, is set for 9:30 p.m. ET (Prime Video). Let's analyze NBA odds around the Rockets vs. Spurs odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
2025-26 season series: Spurs won 3-1 with 2 wins at home
The Rockets throttled the Dallas Mavericks 128-110 in the season-opener Wednesday, covering as a 3.5-point home underdog as the Over (231.5) cashed. F Jabari Smith Jr. and F Kevin Durant combined for almost half of Houston's scoring, tallying 30 points each. The Rockets shot 53% from the field and 44% from deep. Houston didn't have any major offseason moves beyond signing veteran
G Marcus Smart and re-signing many of their role players.
The Spurs, who came up short in the NBA Finals to the New York Knicks a season ago, lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder 116-104 in Tuesday's season-opener, failing to cover as a 1.5-point home underdog with the Under (229.5) hitting. C Victor Wembanyama struggled against a tight defense, shooting just 1 for 13 from the field and scoring just 12 points, but he did grab 13 rebounds, have 3 assists, a steal and 6 blocks. G Stephon Castle led the way with 24 points and 5 triples.
The game is being played in Austin as the Spurs continue to expand their regional footprint and fan base by hosting regular-season games in the growing Austin metropolitan area.
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Rockets vs. Spurs odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated 11:13 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Rockets +165 (bet $100 to win $165) | Spurs -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Rockets +5.5 (-115) | Spurs -5.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 224.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
Rockets vs. Spurs key injuries
Rockets
- C Steven Adams (calf) questionable
- G Reed Sheppard (knee) questionable
Spurs
- G De'Aaron Fox (wrist) questionable
- G Tobias Harris (calf) out
- F Keldon Johnson (mouth laceration) questionable
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Rockets vs. Spurs picks and predictions
Prediction
Spurs 116, Rockets 112
Moneyline
PASS.
Avoid this play. The Spurs (-200) should win outright, but are far too expensive to consider here.
Against the spread
BET ROCKETS +5.5 (-115).
The Rockets surprised sportsbooks with their dominant win Wednesday, and their offensive rating currently tops the league. The Spurs made the NBA Finals a season ago because of their rock-solid defense, but the Rockets have some big-time creators like Durant and also have the skilled size in C Alperen Sengun to make Wembanyama uncomfortable.
San Antonio shot just 39% from the field against Oklahoma City, and no player off its bench topped 10 points. The Spurs' limited depth is concerning, and against a talented Rockets side, expect this to be a close battle. Back ROCKETS +5.5 (-115).
Over/Under
BET OVER 224.5 (-115).
The Spurs put up 104 points on the Thunder, facing one of the better defensive teams in the NBA and shooting awful from the field. While they didn't start the season as expected, their players have proven they can bounce back well and ended last season with the third-most efficient offense. The Rockets can score as well, dropping 128 points and going Over in their first game.
Expect the stars to shine in the neutral-court clash Friday and take OVER 224.5 (-115).
Best prop bet
Spurs C VICTOR WEMBANYAMA UNDER 14.5 REBOUNDS + ASSISTS (-140).
The Rockets have the size all across the floor to keep Wembanyama off the boards, and they ranked atop the NBA in rebounding percentage a season ago. Throughout his career, the 7-foot-4 center hasn't been the most aggressive rebounder, tallying 11.5 per game a season ago.
Betting odds calculator
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This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: Houston Rockets vs. San Antonio Spurs odds, picks and predictions
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