The NBA Regular Season kicks off with the Houston Rockets visiting the Oklahoma City Thunder. The game will take place at the Paycom Center on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 7:30 PM. Fans can catch the action on NBC.
The Houston Rockets enter the season opener with a strong preseason performance. They won their last three preseason games, including a decisive 133-115 victory against the Atlanta Hawks. Reed Sheppard led the team with 29 points in that game.
The Oklahoma City Thunder also had a successful preseason, winning two of their last three games. They edged out the Denver Nuggets 94-91 in their final preseason game. Ousmane Dieng contributed 17 points in that win.
Thunder Preview
The Oklahoma City Thunder are led by Head Coach Mark Daigneault. They play in the Western Conference and are part of the Northwest Division. In the 2026 preseason, they have a record of 4-2.
At home, the Thunder have been strong with a 2-0 record. They have also managed a 2-2 record on the road. In their last 10 games, they have gone 4-2, and they are currently on a two-game winning streak.
In a recent game against the Denver Nuggets, the Thunder won 94-91. Ousmane Dieng scored 17 points in that game. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander also contributed with 12 points and 5 assists.
Another recent game saw the Thunder win against the Milwaukee Bucks, 116-112. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was a key player, scoring 23 points. Brooks Barnhizer also played well, adding 10 points and 12 rebounds.
Rockets Preview
The Houston Rockets have had a strong start in the 2026 preseason. They have won all four of their games. This includes two wins at home and two on the road.
In their most recent game against the Atlanta Hawks, the Rockets won by 18 points. Reed Sheppard was a standout player, scoring 29 points. Josh Okogie also contributed with 28 points.
Earlier in the preseason, the Rockets faced the New Orleans Pelicans. They won by just 2 points. Jabari Smith Jr. led the team with 26 points in that game.
Alperen Sengün has been a key player for the Rockets. He has averaged 13.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game in the preseason. His performance has helped the team maintain their winning streak.
Statistical Breakdown for Thunder vs Rockets
The game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Houston Rockets could be shaped by key players and recent performances. The Thunder have been strong at home, winning both games. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been a standout player for the Thunder, leading in points and assists. The Rockets have an unbeaten record in the preseason, with Reed Sheppard and Josh Okogie putting up high scores in recent games. Alperen Sengün’s consistent performance in points and rebounds will be important for the Rockets.
- Thunder Home Record: 2-0
- Thunder Recent Win Streak: 2 games
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 23 points vs. Bucks
- Rockets Preseason Record: 4-0
- Reed Sheppard: 29 points vs. Hawks
- Josh Okogie: 28 points vs. Hawks
- Alperen Sengün: 13.3 points, 7.3 rebounds per game
Betting Insights
As the game approaches, bettors are looking at key trends to make informed decisions. Both teams have shown patterns against the spread and in over/under outcomes. Understanding these trends can help in predicting how the game might unfold. Here are the top five betting insights for this game:
- The away team has covered the spread in 4 of their last 5 games.
- The home team has failed to cover the spread in 3 of their last 4 games.
- The total has gone over in 6 of the away team’s last 7 games.
- The total has gone under in 5 of the home team’s last 6 games.
- The away team has hit the over in their last 3 road games.
Free Betting Prediction for Thunder vs Rockets
The Oklahoma City Thunder have been strong at home, winning both of their preseason games. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been a key player, contributing significantly in recent games. The Thunder’s recent win against the Milwaukee Bucks shows their ability to perform well against tough opponents.
The Houston Rockets, however, have not lost a game in the preseason. Reed Sheppard and Josh Okogie have been scoring well, making them players to watch. Alperen Sengün’s consistent performance in points and rebounds adds to the Rockets’ strengths.
Considering the Thunder’s home advantage and the Rockets’ unbeaten streak, this game could be close. The Thunder might edge out a win due to their strong home performance. However, the Rockets’ ability to cover the spread makes them a solid pick against the spread.
- Our Free Prediction: Rockets +6.5
