Thunder at Rockets Preview: Betting Tips & Odds

Last year, the Oklahoma City Thunder was one of the top betting values on the board in any sport. The Thunder was not a legacy brand that the casual sector was enamored with. But their 2025 NBA championship changed everything.

Oklahoma City began the season as the biggest brand on the board. Additionally, the Thunder won 24 of its first 25 games to start the 2025-26 season. As a result, too many squares took notice. At the same time, Oklahoma City’s opponents always give them their best shot. Everyone wants the Thunder’s scalp to hang up for their fans.

The Thunder are in the red this season and taking on red ink at a rapid rate. In fact, Oklahoma City is now resembling the previously elite Los Angeles Lakers that would win games while losing money. OKC has a public popularity problem that is eroding its value.

On Thursday night, the Thunder has a potentially tough road game against the Houston Rockets. Head coach Ime Udoka is transforming the Rockets into a consistent Western Conference contender. However, the Rockets are taking on red ink just like OKC.

Thunder at Rockets Preview

On Thursday, January 15, 2026, the Houston Rockets will host the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center in Houston, TX. Tipoff is 7:30 p.m. ET, with television coverage on Amazon Prime Video.

Public Betting Odds Factors

• Both teams have seen a recent drop in value and profit margins against the NBA spread.

• Oklahoma City will get a rare discount at the quality away team facing a capable home opponent.

Thunder at Rockets Predictions

Handicapping Factors to Consider 

• Oklahoma City will have the best player on the court in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

• Isaiah Hartenstein (Check Status) and Chet Holmgreen give the Thunder strong rebounding.

• Oklahoma City offers better value with the more favorable road team price.

Thunder at Rockets Prime Best Bet: Oklahoma City Thunder 

Thunder at Rockets Betting Tips

Oklahoma City Thunder 

• Oklahoma City ranks 2nd in scoring offense, 3rd in field goal percentage, 16th in 3-point field goal percentage, 2nd in free throw percentage, and 18th in offensive rebounding.

• The Thunder rank 1st in scoring defense, 1st in field goal percentage allowed, 28th in 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 18th in defensive rebounding.

• The Oklahoma City Thunder are 33-7 straight up, 19-21 against the spread, and 21-19 over/under the total.

• OKC has covered the NBA spread in just one of their last six games.

• The Thunder have gone over the total in four of their previous six matchups.

• Oklahoma City leads the Western Conference by 5.5 games ahead of the San Antonio Spurs.

Houston Rockets 

• Houston ranks 10th in scoring offense, 6th in field goal percentage, 5th in 3-point field goal percentage, 25th in free throw percentage, and 1st in offensive rebounding.

• On defense, the Rockets rank 3rd in scoring defense, 9th in field goal percentage allowed, 12th in 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 1st in defensive rebounding.

• The Houston Rockets are 22-14 straight up, 18-18 against the spread, and 19-17 over/under the total.

• Houston has covered one out of their last six games.

• The Rockets have gone under the total in eight of their previous nine matchups.

• Houston is 7^th in the Western Conference playoff standings.

• Houston is nine games behind the Thunder in the Western Conference playoff race.

Thunder at Rockets Head-to-Head and Key Stats

• Oklahoma City covered the spread in 5 out of their last 15 away games.

• The Thunder went over the total in five of its last six road tilts.

• Houston covered three of its most recent eight home games.

• The Thunder went under the total in five of its last seven road tilts.

• Oklahoma City covered the spread in only five of its last 15 games against Houston.

• The Rockets and Thunder went over the total in five of their last six meetings.

• In Houston, the Rockets have cashed in seven of their last eight games against the Thunder.

• Only five of the last 19 games between the Rockets and Thunder at Houston went over the total.