Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Houston Rockets Picks, Prediction, Odds and Line Movement for Thursday, January 15, 2026
Another big Western Conference matchup features this Thunder vs. Rockets prediction. The OKC Thunder (34-7) sit in first place in the West after an easy win over San Antonio 119-98 on Tuesday. Houston (23-14) is in sixth place after beating Chicago 119-113, which broke a three-game losing streak. The Thunder won the only meeting this season on Oct. 21, 125-124 in overtime at home. These teams will meet on Thursday night from Houston at 7:30pmET. OKC is a 4.5-point favorite and the total is 222.5. Check out more free NBA predictions and college basketball selections from Winners and Whiners.
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OKC gets revenge over the Spurs
Just when you thought San Antonio was about to replace the Thunder as the team to beat in the West, OKC decided that they are still the top dog. After crushing the Spurs on Tuesday by 21 points, the Thunder now lead the conference by 6.5 games over the Spurs and Denver for the first seed in the West. In late December, Oklahoma City lost to the Spurs twice, including a game in the NBA Cup and another two days later on Christmas Day.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 34 points and five assists, while Jalen Williams added 20 points. Williams is averaging 17.7 points per game and has played in 22 games after missing the first month of the season due to a wrist injury.
On the injury front, the Thunder are playing without center Isaiah Hartenstein (calf). Guard Lu Dort is questionable with a left foot injury. On DunksandThrees.com, the Thunder are ranked first in Adjusted Net Rating and Adjusted Defense, and ranked fifth in Adjusted Offense.
Rockets bust slump
Houston is 11-12 on the road this season and they've lost four straight with losses against subpar teams in Portland (2x), Sacramento and Dallas. They've also lost six straight games ATS. The Rockets broke a three-game losing streak with a 119-113 win over Chicago at home on Tuesday. Kevin Durant led the Rockets with 28 points and 10 boards, while Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson added 23 points apiece. Houston shot a sizzling 51% from the field and 29% (7 of 24) from long range.
Houston ranks near the top in most statistical categories and they are relatively healthy. Forward Tari Eason (12ppg, 6rpg) is the only starter out for this game due to an ankle injury.
On DunksandThrees.com, Houston ranks second in Adjusted Net Rating, fourth in Adjusted Offense and eighth in Adjusted Defense. 
Spread Pick and Prediction Thunder vs. Rockets
| # | Handicapper | Profit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Ben Burns | +1,203.00 |
| 2 |  Joseph D'Amico | +791.00 |
| 3 |  Bryan Power | +507.00 |
| 4 |  MIT Simulator | +449.00 |
| 5 |  Joe Duffy | +374.00 |
OKC Thunder vs. Rockets Odds, Pick and Prediction
- Houston +5.5 (4 units)
The Rockets have slumped a bit, but they'll wake up against a team that they have covered three straight games and four of the last five. The Thunder may have more bodies, but Houston has Durant, Sengun, and Jabari Smith Jr. Amen Thompson is a spectacular athlete who has become a good secondary scorer and defender. With Hartenstein out, Sengun can't muscle Chet Holmgren around, and if they have veteran hulkish Steven Adams and defender Clint Capela to help out if they need size and defense in the paint. The Thunder will also have a slight letdown after beating the Spurs in their last game. They've also covered just one of their last six games.
Over/Under Pick for Thunder vs. Rockets
- Under 222.5 (4 units)
These are two great defensive teams. Houston has gone under in six of their last seven games. The Rockets are one of the slowest pace teams in the league at 28 and for all their youth, the Thunder are near the middle of tempo at 13. Houston also ranks third in the league for points allowed at home with 108.1. OKC is first in field goal defense on the road (42.8%) and first in points allowed on the road (109.1).
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