Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: 3 Best Bets - Preview

Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: 3 Best Bets - Preview

Feb 27, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks (9) drives to the / Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

For the fourth and final time this season, the Houston Rockets will face the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder has risen to second in the Western Conference after missing the playoffs last season, and the Rockets are looking to win their tenth game in a row.

With both the Rockets and Golden State Warriors playing tonight, there is a chance that Houston could claim the tenth seed in the conference, landing the final spot in the Play-In Tournament. With high stakes to finish out the season, there is the possibility that Alperen Sengun will return sooner than expected.

Feb 27, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) moves the ball / Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

For now, Sengun, Cam Whitmore, Steven Adams, and Tari Eason will all be out for the Rockets. The Thunder will be without MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Keep it posted here for our three best bets, powered by the lines and odds at SI Sportsbook.

The Lines

Point spread: Thunder -6.5 (-118)/Rockets +6.5 (-110)

Money line: Thunder (-275)/Rockets (+205)

Over/under: 229.5

Our Picks

Points pick: Jalen Green OVER 26.5 points (-120)

Over his last five games, Jalen Green has averaged 32.4 points, and throughout Houston's winning streak, he has averaged an even 29.0 points. His shooting has been efficient, and he has been scoring at volume. That momentum alone should propel him over this line, despite his 14-point average in three games against the Thunder this season.

Passing pick: Fred VanVleet UNDER 7.5 assists (-110)

Rarely do we tell you to take the under on passing, especially considering that Fred VanVleet has averaged 10 assists over his last five games. However, that average is inflated by a 16-dime performance. In reality, VanVleet has been coming back down to Earth on both ends of the floor, and his 5.6 assist average against the Thunder doesn't inspire much confidence.

Team pick: Houston +6.5 (-110)

You'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who thinks that the Rockets are better than the Thunder this season, but momentum says a lot. The Rockets are riding a nine-game win streak, and the Thunder have been just as good, going 8-2 over the last ten. With homecourt advantage, expect the Thunder to win, but the Rockets should keep it close all night.