Houston Rockets at Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Prediction

Victor TrejosBasketball, NBA

The Oklahoma City Thunder (6-4) welcome the Houston Rockets (4-5) to Chesapeake Energy Arena. The Thunder are a 4.5-point underdog and will attempt to extend their six-game winning streak. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 213 points and it is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, November 8, 2018.

Houston Rockets at Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Odds

Both teams covered in their last contest. The Thunder (3.5-point underdogs) defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 95-86, while the Rockets (1-point underdog) beat the Indiana Pacers 98-94. The Oklahoma City game finished 54.5 points under the projected point total of 235.5, while the Houston game went 23.5 points under the projected point total of 215.5.

Houston’s 0.539 effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Indiana, who had a rate of 0.493. The Rockets’ mark was above their season average of 0.499, while the Pacers’ was below their season average of 0.547. Meanwhile, Oklahoma City played a nearly perfect game. They had a free throw rate of 0.214 (matching their season average) and a turnover percentage of 11.2 (better than their season average of 11.6). For those same stats, Cleveland was 0.124 and 16.7, respectively. Oklahoma City rallied around Dennis Schroder, who had 28 points and seven rebounds. Meanwhile, James Harden fueled Houston with 28 points and six assists.

The Thunder edged out the Rockets in this series last year, taking two out of three contests. In the most recent contest, Oklahoma City won 108-102. The Thunder’s 9.4 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over the Rockets, who had a mark of 16.5.

Oddsmakers are known to set the total low when the Rockets are involved, as 55.6 percent of their contests have ended over the total. Houston comes into the game with records of 4-5 straight up (SU) and 3-6 against the spread (ATS).

Much like Houston, Thunder games also tend to finish over the total (55.6 percent). Moreover, Oklahoma City is 6-4 SU and 5-4 ATS.

Jerami Grant has really been playing well recently for Oklahoma City, averaging 14.2 points and 1.4 steals over the last five games.

Conflicting styles will be on display in this battle. Oklahoma City ranks sixth in possessions per game (100.4) while Houston is 26th (99.3) since last season. ,

Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Free Pick

Pick: SU Winner – Thunder, ATS Winner – Thunder, O/U – Under

Betting Notes (2017-Present):

  • The Rockets rank third in blocks per game (5.0) while the Thunder rank eighth (5.1).
  • Oklahoma City ranks fourth in second chance points per game (15.1) while Houston ranks 24th (11.4).
  • The Rockets rank first in three pointers attempted per game (41.9) while the Thunder rank 18th (30.3).
  • Oklahoma City ranks first in points off turnovers per game (19.3) while Houston ranks 16th (16.9).
  • Houston ranks fifth in assists allowed per game (22.2) while Oklahoma City ranks 13th (23.1).
  • The Thunder rank eighth in points in the paint per game (44.4) while the Rockets rank 26th (41.1).
  • The Thunder rank 12th in rebounds per game (45.1) while the Rockets rank 26th (43.3).
  • Oklahoma City averages 9.3 steals per game, which ranks first in the league. Houston ranks 18th in steals allowed per game (7.3).
  • When allowing below 100 points, Oklahoma City is 24-6 and Houston is 40-3.
  • The Rockets are 73-18 when they score above 100 points, while the Thunder are 51-21.
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