The Houston Rockets have shaken off a slow start to finally get rolling. They are still under .500 on the season but have won three straight. Houston will look to keep it going in a matchup this week against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Thunder is at home and may have been a slight favorite normally, but star guard Russell Westbrook has a sprained ankle which may keep him out of this contest. If that happens, a huge swing will result on the spread and make Houston the clear favorites.
Both of these teams expect to be in the mix in the Western Conference and each side would like to win this matchup in NBA wagering.
This NBA basketball game between the Houston Rockets at Oklahoma City Thunder will be held at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma at 6 p.m ET on Thursday, November 8th, 2018. The game will be nationally televised on TNT.
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Odds Analysis
Oklahoma City is 5-4 on the season. The Thunder has been very cold and hot this year, losing its first four contests and then following that up with five consecutive victories. Oklahoma City isn’t in the elite tier of Golden State but believes it can be on the second tier in the West. The Thunder is 3-2 at home on the year.
The Rockets are 4-5 on the year. They began with five losses in their first six games but have picked it up. Houston was missing stars Chris Paul and James Harden due to suspension and injury, respectively, for a few games early in the season but is clocking with both of them in the fold.
There is a live betting option available in this matchup, which can be a good way to add on wagers at the sportsbook after the action tips off.
Injury Report
Westbrook sprained his ankle earlier this week. When the injury happened it looked really bad, but luckily Westbrook was able to avoid major injury. He is not going to play on Wednesday against the Cavaliers, and it seems unlikely he sees the court in this matchup against Houston.
If Westbrook is out, it’s a huge deal as the spread will shift considerably. The former MVP is averaging 24.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 8.9 assists per contest. Westbrook missed the first two games of the season with a knee injury as well.
Key Stat
17. That’s the number of losses Houston had all season a year ago, as they finished with the best record in the NBA. The Rockets have the same basic core but do not seem likely to come close to that record.
It was the goal for Houston to finish with a better record than the Warriors in anticipation of a playoff series, but even this early it looks like it will be nearly impossible with the Rockets already four games behind in the loss column.
Houston needs to start moving up the standings if it wants to be considered a true NBA championship contender once again this year. The recent winning streak has helped restore some confidence but the Rockets need to turn it up another notch.
Free NBA ATS Picks
The Rockets should be locked in for this one because of their lackluster start. The Thunder won’t have the horses to compete without Westbrook. While Paul George should have a big game, he won’t get enough help.
Look for Houston to jump out to a lead and hold on for the win. The Rockets could be the choice to cover depending on where the spread checks in. Don’t forget about the live betting option in this matchup. It could be clear early on if Houston is going to pull away, and it makes sense to add some in-game wagers to pad the bankfoll in NBA odds.
NBA ATS Pick: Houston Rockets 127, Oklahoma City Thunder 120
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