NBA Predictions: Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder 12/25/17

Rockets vs. Thunder Pick

Which team will out-score the other when the Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder meet tonight at 8PM ET?

According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, Houston is favored on the road in this game, as the Rockets are getting odds of -1.5 points against the Thunder. The over/under total for the contest has been set at 216.5 points. Houston has won seven of the last eight meetings in this series and the Rockets have covered the spread in seven of the last 10 meetings. Today’s game takes place from Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and will air live on ABC.

Houston has dropped two straight to the Clippers and Lakers coming into tonight’s game. The Rockets are 16-14-1 against the spread this season, but they have failed to cover in three of their last four games. Houston is putting up a league-best 115.4 points per game on offense while allowing 105.4 per game on defense. James Harden is averaging 32.5 points, 5.1 rebounds and 9 assists per game. Eric Gordon is adding 19.5 points per game while Chris Paul is putting up 17.1 points and 9 assists per game. Paul is doubtful to play today due to an injury.

The Thunder are on a four-game winning streak right now to improve to 18-15 on the season. Oklahoma City is just 12-21 against the spread this season, but they have covered in two of their last three. OKC is averaging 102.6 points per game on offense while allowing 99.8 per game. Russell Westbrook is averaging 23.6 points, 9.5 rebounds and 9.9 assists per game to lead the Thunder while Paul George is adding 19.9 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.

Bet on Rockets vs. Thunder

This game should be a battle of Harden vs. Westbrook. Without Paul in the mix, I think OKC has the edge at home. The Thunder have some key supporting players to try and match the Houston scoring output. The Thunder are struggling somewhat, but still winning out right at home most of the time. Westbrook loves a reason to feel disrespected and raise his game on a national state. I think he does it tonight. The public betting is slightly with the Rockets, but I give the edge to OKC.

 

NBA DAILY PREDICTION: OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER +1.5