Thunder vs. Rockets

While the Rockets rank third in scoring defense and lead the league in rebounding, they must contend with a Thunder squad that ranks first in points allowed (108.1) and is riding a four-game winning streak. We are backing the superior efficiency of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has extended his historic 20-point scoring streak to 111 games, against a Houston rotation missing key defensive pieces like Tari Eason and Dorian Finney-Smith. Despite the return of Alperen Sengun, the Thunder’s elite transition pressure is expected to outpace a Rockets unit still adjusting to the long-term absence of Fred VanVleet.