The Houston Rockets (10-3) take on the Washington Wizards (4-9) Sunday at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET. Let's analyze NBA odds around the Rockets vs. Wizards odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
2025-26 season series: Rockets won 2-0
Houston picked up a 125-118 win over the Utah Jazz Friday, but failed to cover as a 15.5-point home favorite as the Over (221.5) hit. C Alperen Sengun went off for 43 points with 12 boards and F Kevin Durant had 22. The Rockets have won 3 straight, and either Durant or Sengun has led the Rockets in points, rebounds, and assists in all 3 wins.
Washington suffered a 144-140 loss against the Detroit Pistons in double OT Thursday, but covered as a 9.5-point
home underdog as the Over (223.5) cashed. G Trae Young had his best game of the season, finishing with 37 points and 14 assists, while G/F Kyshawn George and F Anthony Davis also combined for 60 points. None of that, however, was enough to overcome to 52-point performance by Piston G Cade Cunningham. The Wizards have lost 6 straight and have given up over 120 points in 4 of those losses.
Watch the NBA on Fubo!
Rockets at Wizards odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:22 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Rockets -375 (bet $375 to win $100) | Wizards +290 (bet $100 to win $290)
- Against the spread (ATS): Rockets -8.5 (-110) | Wizards +8.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 223.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
Rockets at Wizards key injuries
Rockets
- C Steven Adams (calf) probable
- C Clint Capela (ankle) out
- G Marcus Smart (suspension) out
- G Fred VanVleet (knee) out
Wizards
- G Bub Carrington (chest) questionable
- F Justin Champagnie (foot) out
- G Tre Johnson (back) questionable
- C Alex Sarr (illness) questionable
- C Tristan Vukcevic (hip) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Rockets at Wizards picks and predictions
Prediction
Rockets 108, Wizards 99
Moneyline
PASS.
The Rockets are the much better and hotter team, so they will win this game, but they are not worth the risk of betting on as -375 favorites. Pass here and bet on the spread and/or total instead.
Against the spread
BET ROCKETS -8.5 (-110).
Young had a great game against Detroit, but for the most part, this season he has been inefficient and has struggled to score, and that's something that I expect to see more of in this game. On the other side, the Wizards will have no chance guarding this Rockets offense that is still top 3 in offensive rating (119.3), so look for Houston to stay ahead for most of this game and eventually cover ATS.
Davis could prove to be a problem for this Rockets defense, so he could go off enough to keep this one close for Washington, but the Rockets should have so much success guarding the perimeter that his greatness won't be enough for the Wizards to cover.
Over/Under
LEAN UNDER 223.5 (-115).
Houston has gotten its wins this season mostly thanks to its offense, but this is still a team with a very good defense, and that defense will have a lot of success against the smaller Young and the youth of Washington's perimeter players.
The Under has hit in 2 of Washington's last 3 home games and is 8-5 for the Rockets this season.
This is a lean because the Over has hit in all of the last 3 matchups between these squads.
Best prop bet
Rockets F KEVIN DURANT OVER 21.5 POINTS (-114 FanDuel Sportsbook).
Durant has gotten at least 22 points in each of his last 4 games against the Wizards, and in 2 of his last 3 games overall. Durant will likely spend a lot of time guarded by either George or rookie F AJ Dybantsa, both of whom are young players who will struggle to guard him and will likely send him to the free-throw line multiple times because of Durant's pump fakes. Expect that Durant has a very efficient game in which he gets to the line to help him score over 22 here.
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: Houston Rockets at Washington Wizards 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.
