Rockets vs. Spurs NBA Betting Odds, Picks: Line drops significantly, but San Antonio still favoured
Houston and San Antonio meet in Austin Friday for an early Southwest Division test, with the Spurs looking to respond after a frustrating season-opening loss. The teams are listed as home and away at Moody Center as part of San Antonio’s I-35 Series, one of three games the Spurs will play in Austin this season.
The Rockets arrive feeling good after beating Dallas by 18, but last season’s head-to-head results favour San Antonio, which won three of four meetings. Victor Wembanyama and San Antonio must show it can start with greater composure and execute for four quarters against a connected and elite defensive team.
The Spurs are 4.5-point favourites to win on the NBA odds, with the total set at 225.5.
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Rockets vs. Spurs NBA Betting Odds
Each of the Spurs’ three victories over the Rockets last year came by at least 11 points. The Spurs have a clear bounce-back angle after losing by 12 at home to Oklahoma City while the Rockets have to deal with a significant step up in competition.
Houston’s opening-night shooting was excellent, but the Rockets still committed 16 turnovers and now face a defence led by one of the league’s most disruptive rim protectors.
Houston Rockets
Houston’s 128-110 win over Dallas was powered by a huge second quarter. The Rockets outscored the Mavericks 38-12 in the period, building a 32-point half-time lead. Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr. scored 30 points apiece, while Alperen Sengun added 23 points and 10 rebounds, showcasing an improved three-point stroke.
Fred VanVleet proved why he was missed so much after missing last season with a torn ACL. The veteran point guard orchestrated the offence dishing out 11 assists, and was the head of the snake on the defence at the point of attack. His return eases the on-ball burden of the young and versatile Amen Thompson
Houston shot 53.4 per cent from the field and hit 16 threes, but repeating that efficiency against San Antonio will be a tougher task. Steven Adams is a game-time decision with a calf issue, which could also affect the Rockets’ front-court depth.
San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs trailed OKC by 26 points before opening the second half with a 23-9 run, which was a good sign for their offensive rhythm moving forward. Stephon Castle scored 24 points and rookie Dylan Harper added 18, while Wembanyama contributed 13 rebounds and six blocks despite shooting just 1-for-13.
San Antonio will hope forward Tobias Harris can return from a calf strain to aid their wing/front-court alignment; he is listed as a game-time decision.
NBA Prediction: Who Will Win Rockets vs. Spurs?
Wembanyama’s rim protection, the Spurs’ rebounding edge and last season’s head-to-head record all support a bounce-back. At -4.5, San Antonio only needs to win by five, a reasonable margin given its recent success against Houston.
Best bet: Spurs -4.5
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