Reigning champion Thunder open with upbeat Rockets
The Oklahoma City Thunder tip off their championship defense Tuesday against the Houston Rockets, a Western rival looking to break through with a supersized lineup and the return of Kevin Durant. The Thunder bring back nearly their entire roster after winning 68 games and defeating Indiana in last year’s NBA Finals.
Oklahoma City will host its ring ceremony before tipoff, with MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and coach Mark Daigneault acknowledging the challenge of staying focused after the celebration. The Thunder prioritized long-term stability, extending Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren.
Houston retooled in the offseason by acquiring Kevin Durant and signing him to a two-year, $90 million extension. Coach Ime Udoka plans to start one of the biggest lineups in league history—Durant, Alperen Sengun, Steven Adams, Jabari Smith Jr., and Amen Thompson—hoping size can disrupt the Thunder’s interior play.
You can track more season-opening matchups and analysis on our NBA previews
Line Movement and Odds
Oklahoma City opened as a -7 favorite, and early action pushed the line to -6.5, with about 64 percent of tickets on Houston but 58 percent of the handle on the Thunder, showing mild sharp support for the home side.
The total opened at 226.5 and crept up to 228, with bettors anticipating an up-tempo shootout between deep rosters. Check updated NBA odds
Matchup Breakdown
Oklahoma City Outlook:
The Thunder led the league last season in net rating and fast-break scoring. Expect Daigneault to push pace behind Gilgeous-Alexander’s penetration and Holmgren’s rim protection. The key will be spacing against Houston’s length, especially with Jalen Williams returning from wrist surgery.
Houston Outlook:
Udoka’s team wants to dominate the glass and funnel offense through Durant and Sengun. The new-look Rockets frontcourt outscored New Orleans by 16 in limited preseason minutes, showing early chemistry. How well they defend transition will decide if this experiment holds up against elite speed.
Thunder:
- Kenrich Williams (knee) – out
- Nikola Topic (testicular procedure) – out
- Jalen Williams (wrist) – questionable
- Alex Caruso, Isaiah Joe, Ajay Mitchell – game-time decisions
Rockets:
- Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) – out
- Jalen Green – traded to Phoenix
Review full player statuses on the Oklahoma City Thunder injury report and Houston Rockets injury report pages before wagering.
Latest Betting Trends
- Thunder were 28-13-ATS at home last season.
- Rockets went 11-30 straight-up on the road.
- The over hit in four of their last six meetings.
- Oklahoma City won three of five matchups in 2024-25.
Best Bets and Prediction
Oklahoma City’s depth and continuity should outweigh Houston’s new pieces in an emotional opener. Expect a fast pace early before the Thunder settle in defensively.
Projected Score: Thunder 118, Rockets 109
Best Bet: Thunder -6.5
Lean: Over 228
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