The Houston Rockets (25-32) travel to the Oklahoma City Thunder (40-17) for a late Tuesday bout. The season series is tied at one apiece. However, the home side are considerable favorites. But the latest game was two days ago. Despite being at home then, tonight’s visitors lost by 13 that evening.
However, a quick turnaround game can sometimes throw off the matchups. Despite being favored tonight, the hosts want to avoid allowing the visitors to stick around for too long. Although the away team is overmatched today, they have potential for the future.
Do you see a potential socking victory tonight?
Houston Rockets vs Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Odds and Details
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Houston Rockets | +10 -108 |
O 234 -112 |
+360 |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | -10 -112 |
U 234 -108 |
-470 |
| ** Odds Courtesy of DraftKings SportsBook** | |||
Fixture: Houston Rockets @ Oklahoma City Thunder
Date And Time: February 27, 2024 @ 10:00 p.m. EST
Location: Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Key Stats
Houston Rockets (Averages)
Points: 113.1
Points Allowed: 113.1
Field Goal Efficiency: 41.3/90.0 for 45.9%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 12.2/34.6 for 35.2%
Free Throw Efficiency: 18.3/23.9 for 76.8%
Rebounds: 11.2 Offensive, 34.7 Defensive, 45.9 Combined
Assists: 24.7
Steals: 7.5
Blocks: 4.5
Turnovers: 12.7
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 40.6/88.1 for 46.1%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 12.5/35.8 for 34.9%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 19.5/26.0 for 74.7%
Rebounds Against: 10.5 Offensive, 34.1 Defensive, 44.6 Combined
Houston is a couple of years away from having playoff hopes. However, there are bright spots on this roster. Moreover, their defense largely plays well enough to at least take teams out of their initial offensive flow. Therefore, tonight should be tougher than what many are anticipating. But it will take a collective approach to pull off a victory for the Houston Rockets tonight.
Firstly, Alepren Sengun needs to be special tonight. the center possesses the skill to wreak havoc on opposing frontcourt. But contributing more than his average of 21.0 points per game and 9.2 rebounds will be essential. In order to squeak out a win, he needs at least 25 points and double-digit rebounds. Moreover, Jabari Smith Jr tied a team-high 20 points in the last outing against the Thunder for the Houston Rockets. Finally, Fred VanVleet averages 8.0 assists per game. He’ll need to have a near-perfect game on both ends of the floor.
Oklahoma City Thunder (Averages)
Points: 121.5
Points Allowed: 113.3
Field Goal Efficiency: 44.8/89.2 for 50.2%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 13.6/34.1 for 39.8%
Free Throw Efficiency: 18.2/21.9 for 83.1%
Rebounds: 8.6 Offensive, 32.9 Defensive, 41.5 Combined
Assists: 27.3
Steals: 8.2
Blocks: 6.8
Turnovers: 11.6
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 40.6/90.0 for 45.1%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 13.5/37.3 for 36.2%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 18.7/23.8 for 78.6%
Rebounds Against: 12.5 Offensive, 32.6 Defensive, 45.1 Combined
Oklahoma is a rising team. But that may be a misclassification. They already have one of the better records in the NBA and are playing good basketball. Although concerns about their inexperience and lack of playoff success remain, they continue to look strong. They know the Houston Rockets will be tough tonight. But looking long-term, there’s a lot to like here. Even if the Oklahoma City Thunder phase out this year in the post-season, this year will be viewed largely as a success.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs Rockets
36 PTS
5 REB
7 AST
3 STL
+17 in 36 minutes#ThunderUp W pic.twitter.com/Vr2NS4qwiD— A Walking Highlight (@11AWH) February 26, 2024
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander contributed 36 points against the Houston Rockets the last time. Chet Holmgren gave 29 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. Additionally, Jalen Williams provided 22 points of scoring. If all primary options play well, they’re a hard team to beat on any night. However, if the Houston Rockets aren’t careful, things could get ugly.
Game Prediction
I see the visitors keeping it competitive against the Oklahoma City Thunder. While they recently lost, Jalen Green had an off-game. Therefore, I expect him to play better tonight for the Houston Rockets and cover the spread. Even if the away side doesn’t win, they should keep things close.
Furthermore, the point total likely won’t get to that point. Both defenses should have control throughout various parts of the game. Although the Thunder defense is highly regarded, wait. However, the Houston Rockets will keep tonight close, and the under a safe bet in Oklahoma.
Final Pick
Houston Rockets +10 and Under 234
About the Author
Gabriel is a lifelong sports fan. Pick a sport, and he’ll enjoy talking about it with you! From football to soccer, combat sports, and volleyball! You can follow Gabriel on Twitter @BigTenGabriel to enjoy all of his great content. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where we do several shows daily. Also, check out our main page by clicking here! For more fantasy-specific sports content, visit our Total Apex Fantasy Sports website.
