Brooklyn Nets vs Houston Rockets Picks and Predictions January 1st 2026

Houston Rockets vs Brooklyn Nets Betting Preview

Houston heads to Brooklyn playing efficient basketball and trending up offensively. The Rockets are pushing for a fourth straight win and have rediscovered their early-season shooting form. Even without Alperen Sengun on Monday, Houston shot 59 percent and built a comfortable lead against Indiana. Sengun is probable to return, which restores their interior hub and playmaking from the post.

Brooklyn is steadier than its early-season record suggests, but Monday’s loss to Golden State exposed familiar issues. The Nets allowed heavy fourth-quarter efficiency and sent the Warriors to the line too often. That combination erased an early lead and stalled a recent three-game win streak.

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Line Movement and Odds

Houston opened -4.5 and the number has nudged to -5 with Sengun trending toward active. Brooklyn sits at +5, drawing limited support after the first meeting turned lopsided.

The total opened at 231.5 and moved to 233, reflecting Houston’s recent shooting and the paint dominance shown in the earlier matchup. Moneyline pricing favors the Rockets, with Brooklyn priced as a home underdog.

Track real-time updates on the NBA odds board.

Matchup Breakdown

Houston’s edge is inside-out pressure. Sengun anchors the offense and draws help that opens clean looks for shooters. Jabari Smith Jr. is stretching the floor at a high clip, and Kevin Durant continues to score efficiently without forcing volume. When Houston wins the paint, its offensive ceiling rises quickly.

Brooklyn needs defensive discipline. The Nets were outscored badly inside in the first meeting and fouled at a high rate Monday. Michael Porter Jr. remains their most consistent scorer, while rookie Egor Demin adds volatility from deep. The bench must rebound after a quiet showing against Golden State.

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Injuries and Conditions

Houston Rockets

• Alperen Sengun, calf, probable
• Steven Adams, ankle, questionable
• Jabari Smith Jr., no injury designation

See full Houston Rockets injury report.

Brooklyn Nets

• Ben Simmons, back, out
• Day’Ron Sharpe, knee, questionable
• Egor Demin, no injury designation

See full Brooklyn Nets injury report.

This game is indoors. No weather impact.

Best Bets and Prediction

Houston’s ability to control the paint and shoot efficiently gives them a consistent edge, especially if Sengun returns. Brooklyn’s offense can score in spurts, but defensive lapses and foul trouble remain a concern.

Projected Score: Rockets 121, Nets 114
Best Bet: Rockets -5
Secondary Lean: Over 233

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