Rockets vs. Spurs: 3 Best Bets

The Houston Rockets will play host to Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.

This season, it seems like all eyes are pointed towards basketball in Texas. Luka Doncic is having a historical season for the Dallas Mavericks, and Victor Wembanyama immediately propelled the San Antonio Spurs back to the center of the basketball world. The Houston Rockets, while a promising young team, have taken the back seat. 

Despite being the third NBA team in Texas, the Rockets are 1-1 against the Spurs this season and hold the same record against the Mavericks. Tonight, Houston will play host to Wembanyama and the Spurs. 

While there is a budding rivalry between Wemby and Jabari Smith Jr., it seems full of mutual respect. Tonight, the two might face off for the third time this season.

Wembanyama and Julian Champagnie are questionable for the Spurs, and Charles Bassey remains out. Houston will continue to be without Tari Eason and Steven Adams. 

Keep it posted for our three best bets, courtesy of the lines at SI Sportsbook.

Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) and San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (3) attempt to get a loose ball during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Lines

Point spread: Spurs +7.5 (-118)/Rockets -7.5 (-110)

Money line: Spurs (+240)/Rockets (-333)

Over/under: 228.5

Our Picks

Safe pick: Jalen Green OVER 20.5 points (-118)

Jalen Green scored 22 and seven points in his previous two matchups with the Spurs, but those games were before the New Year. Assuming that Wembanyama will play, expecting Houston to pound the paint is simply too big of an ask. Green is shooting 41.3 percent from deep over his last five games, so if he can keep spreading the floor, the offense should run through him, generating plenty of points. 

Team pick: Spurs +7.5 (-118)

Suggesting that you bet against the Rockets on a Houston-based site might not be the best way to make friends, but in this case, it's the best way to make money. The Spurs are 1-9 in their last ten road games, so don't expect them to win, but in their last two games, they handily beat the playoff-bound Pacers and Thunder. These Spurs look dangerous and should be able to keep it close against a declining Rockets team. 

NBA Mock Draft: Rockets Add 'Lights Out' 3-Point Threat

Rising Stars parlay pick: Jabari Smith Jr. OVER 12.5 points, Smith Jr. OVER 10.5 rebounds, Victor Wembanyama OVER 10.5 rebounds, Wembanyama OVER 1.5 made threes (+575)

Smith Jr. has nabbed at least 13 rebounds in four of his last five games and posted 12 boards in his last matchup with the Spurs. He has scored at least 13 points in four of his last five, as well. As for Wembanyama, if he plays, he has been on another level recently, averaging 11.6 rebounds, 25.0 points, and 2.8 threes per game.