The Oklahoma City Thunder will begin their 2025-26 season at home against the Houston Rockets on October 21. This matchup marks a significant occasion as the Thunder will unveil their championship banner. According to Las Vegas oddsmakers, the Thunder are projected to win by 6.5 points.
Rockets’ New Look and Injury Concerns
This season, the Rockets will showcase a revamped roster, with superstar Kevin Durant now on the team following a contract extension. However, Houston faces a crucial setback with the loss of point guard Fred VanVleet, who is sidelined for the entire season due to a torn ACL. This injury leaves the Rockets with a considerable gap in their backcourt, particularly since former No. 3 overall pick Reed Sheppard had limited playtime last season.
Despite being the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference in the previous season, the Rockets face a challenging journey to replicate that success this year, even with Durant’s addition.
Thunder’s Expectations and Health Status
The Thunder aim to start the season on a strong note after a dominant home performance last year. The health of star player Jalen Williams remains a concern, as he continues to recover from a wrist injury sustained during the 2025 NBA Playoffs. With the Thunder’s defensive prowess from last season, they hope for a commanding victory in their season opener.
First Game Betting Insights
- Spread: Thunder favored by 6.5 points
- Total Points Over/Under: 227.5
Kevin Durant’s assists are a focal point in this matchup. Last season, he averaged 4.2 assists per game with the Phoenix Suns. Given the current roster challenges faced by the Rockets, many anticipate that Durant will play a critical role in facilitating offensive plays.
Defensive Showdown Expected
Both teams excelled in defensive metrics last season, ranking first (Thunder) and fifth (Rockets) in defensive rating. With prominent players like VanVleet absent, an underwhelming offensive display may ensue.
Last year, Houston struggled offensively, finishing the season with an average of 113.7 points per game, largely due to VanVleet’s absence. The Thunder, known for their elite scoring defense, might adopt a more deliberate gameplay approach, especially with Williams dealing with his injury.
As these two teams clash, a slow-paced game could be on the horizon, possibly leading to a total score lower than projected. Betting on the total points might be a wise choice, considering both squads’ defensive capabilities.
Betting Prediction
Considering the circumstances, the UNDER 227.5 points is a compelling option for this matchup. As the teams prepare to face off, the dynamics of injuries and new acquisitions will certainly shape the game’s outcome.
