Houston Rockets vs OKC Thunder Preseason Game Prediction and Preview | Oct. 9, 2024

The Houston Rockets vs OKC Thunder game is one of four preseason games scheduled on Oct. 9. The Rockets are set to visit the Thunder at Paycom Center for both teams' second game of the preseason. They are set to start ramping up player minutes with Opening Night less than two weeks away.

Houston lost its first preseason game against the Utah Jazz, 122-113. Jalen Green had 21 points in 20 minutes, while Alperen Sengun put up 17 points, four rebounds and four assists. Cam Whitmore came off the bench to score 17 points and grab two boards.

Meanwhile, the Thunder escaped San Antonio with a 112-107 win. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sat out for the game, with Jalen Williams leading the way with 18 points, four rebounds and three assists in 17 minutes. Ajay Mitchell and Dillon Jones put on a show off the bench with 19 and 17 points, respectively.

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Houston Rockets vs OKC Thunder Prediction, Preview and Odds for 2024 NBA Preseason

Moneyline: Rockets (+155) vs Thunder (-190)

Spread: Rockets +4.5 (-110) vs Thunder -4.5 (-110)

Total (O/U): Rockets o223.5 (-110) vs Thunder u223.5 (-110)

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Houston Rockets vs OKC Thunder preview

The Houston Rockets didn't make any big trades or signings this offseason, but they did draft Reed Sheppard with the third overall pick. The Rockets almost made it to the NBA Play-In Tournament before falling short in their final few games. They have a loaded roster with young talent plus veteran leaders in guard Fred VanVleet and coach Ime Udoka.

Meanwhile, the OKC Thunder made some adjustments to their roster after being eliminated in the second round of the playoffs despite finishing as the No. 1 seed in the West. The Thunder traded Josh Giddey for Alex Caruso, while signing Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency. It's a good haul for OKC since both players fit perfectly into its roster.

The two teams faced each other four times last season, with the Rockets winning the first and final matchups for the 2-2 split.

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Houston Rockets vs OKC Thunder predicted starting lineups

Rockets

G - Fred VanVleet | G - Jalen Green | F - Dillon Brooks | F - Jabari Smith Jr. | C - Alperen Sengun

Thunder

G - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | G - Alex Caruso | F - Jalen Williams | F - Chet Holmgren | C - Isaiah Hartenstein

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Houston Rockets vs OKC Thunder prediction

The OKC Thunder are the slight favorites to beat the Houston Rockets in Wednesday's preseason game. Since it's a no-bearing contest, both coaches are expected to pull out their starters in the first half and let the fringe bench guys take over the second. It will likely be a close contest, with the Thunder pulling off a single-digit victory.