The NBA Cup heads to Las Vegas on Saturday afternoon with the Oklahoma City Thunder set as the 5.5-point favorites at bet365 over the Houston Rockets.
Can Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continue his torrid start to the season and potential MVP candidacy in a Thunder win? Or will Alperen Sengun and the Rockets play spoiler in the Sin City? Let’s dive into the matchup and find out.
Houston Rockets vs Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Odds
Houston Rockets vs Oklahoma City Thunder, December 14, 8:30 pm ET
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston Rockets | +5.5 (-110) | +190 | O213.5 (-110) |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | -5.5 (-110) | -230 | U213.5 (-110) |
Odds as of December 14 at bet365
Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Picks Tonight
Thunder -5.5 (-110) at bet365, UNDER 213.5 Points (-110) at bet365
After dismantling the Dallas Mavericks in a 118-104 home win, the Oklahoma City Thunder head to Las Vegas looking to continue their electric start to the season. Chet Holmgren’s long-term injury hasn’t taken the wind out of their sails, as the Thunder have won eight of their last nine games. Their lone loss over that span was, coincidentally, to the Rockets, who won 119-116 at home in Houston.
The Rockets have been one of the most pleasant surprises early in the NBA season, going 17-8 and currently standing third in the Western Conference. Center Alperen Sengun was the story in their win over the Thunder, finishing with 20 points, 14 rebounds, and nine assists in a near triple-double effort. Fred VanVleet was also phenomenal in that game, finishing with 38 points, but the Thunder were missing top-notch perimeter defender Alex Caruso.
Very few teams have an honest answer for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander amidst this MVP-caliber campaign, and he’s averaging 30.2 points on 51.5% shooting. The Rockets play physical team defense and are well-coached by Ime Udoka, but they lack a defender who can take on SGA in isolation and come out on top. Their best option may be Dillon Brooks, but he’s listed as questionable with an illness.
The biggest X-factor for Houston might be the mercurial shooting guard Jalen Green. He struggled against Golden State in the Rockets’ Quarterfinals win, shooting just 5-15 and finishing with 12 points. Against the Thunder’s elite half-court defense - they rank first in defensive rating - the Rockets need Green, who leads the team with 19.2 points, to be a consistent factor. He’s finished with 14 and nine points in the two games against Oklahoma City this season, shooting 35% from the field.
There are plenty of parallels between these two teams as young, talented rosters loaded with depth who play lights-out defense - they rank first and second in defensive rating this season. Ultimately, I expect the difference to be Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, as the Thunder boast the best player on the floor. He consistently finds a way to secure the tough buckets and help Oklahoma City pull away late in what should be a gritty, low-scoring affair.
Rockets vs Thunder Prop Bet Tonight
Isiah Hartenstein Over 21.5 Points + Rebounds (-140) at bet365
With Chet Holmgren out long-term, the Thunder have turned to Isiah Hartenstein as their starting center. Jalen Williams has seen extended run as a small-ball five and held up very well. Still, against Alperen Sengun, one of the most exciting young centers in the league, the Thunder will likely need Hartenstein as a traditional big man.
Hartenstein has cleared this line in every game with 28+ minutes for the Thunder this season, including 32 points and rebounds against the Rockets on December 1. Ivica Zubac (33) and Domantas Sabonis (34) have racked up points and rebounds against the Rockets in recent matchups, and I expect Hartenstein to do the same in Las Vegas.
Rockets vs Thunder Betting Trends Tonight
- The Rockets are 17-8 ATS in the first half this season.
- The Thunder are 13-11 to the under this season.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has scored 30+ points in seven of his last eight games.
