It’ll take more than a brief wobble to knock this Oklahoma City Thunder juggernaut off course, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander & Co. will go for a fifth straight win as they take on the Houston Rockets tonight.
My Thunder vs. Rockets predictions single out Chet Holmgren as a key factor to combat Houston’s bruising frontcourt.
Check out my NBA picks for this January 15 clash between two teams that could see a lot more of each other in April or May.
Thunder vs Rockets prediction
Thunder vs Rockets best bet: Chet Holmgren Over 8.5 rebounds (-110)
Every possession is a grind against this physical Houston Rockets team, but the Oklahoma City Thunder live for that level of intensity. That said, with Isaiah Hartenstein still out and Lu Dort listed as questionable, there’s a bigger burden than usual on Chet Holmgren’s shoulders to compete on the glass.
That seems to be suiting Chet just fine.
He’s averaging 10.3 RPG so far in January, and he grabbed 10 boards on Tuesday as OKC held San Antonio to just 98 points. Holmgren has now finished with 9+ rebounds in nine of his last 10 outings, making this Over a standout prop pick.
The Houston offense has had its struggles this month, and Ime Udoka is leaning on some shaky shooting lineups. That partly explains why the Rockets have scored 105 points or fewer in five of their past six games.
While the frontcourt pairing of Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams can be overwhelming on the offensive glass, Chet has the length to compete in those battles — and it’s unlikely that Mark Daigneault will be able to go to small-ball groups here.
Tonight is another chance for the Thunder to show their toughness and resilience on the road, and that starts with Holmgren shining as the visitors’ defensive anchor.
Thunder vs Rockets same-game parlay
With the Thunder looking like they’ve got their mojo back, I’m riding with the visitors.
OKC is 8-2 SU in its last 10 outings and has won four of the past six meetings with Houston. It’s fair to wonder about the Rockets’ form after losses to the Kings and Trail Blazers (twice) this month.
Though the hosts have been scuffling offensively, that certainly hasn’t affected Kevin Durant’s numbers. KD is averaging 28.6 PPG in January, and he’s had 25+ points in eight of his last 10 contests.
Thunder vs Rockets SGP
- Chet Holmgren Over 8.5 rebounds
- Thunder moneyline
- Kevin Durant Over 24.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Amen corner
Amen Thompson is having another tough season from beyond the arc, but I’ll roll the dice that he can cash in on one of his open looks tonight. He knocked down a 3-pointer against the Bulls on Tuesday, and he’s got to be willing to let it fly if teams are packing the paint.
Thunder vs Rockets SGP
- Chet Holmgren Over 8.5 rebounds
- Thunder moneyline
- Kevin Durant Over 24.5 points
- Amen Thompson Over 0.5 3-pointers
Thunder vs Rockets odds
- Spread: Thunder -5 | Rockets +5
- Moneyline: Thunder -200 | Rockets +168
- Over/Under: Over 223.5 | Under 223.5
Thunder vs Rockets betting trend to know
The Rockets are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games. Find more NBA betting trends for Thunder vs. Rockets.
How to watch Thunder vs Rockets
| Location | Toyota Center, Houston, TX |
| Date | Thursday, January 15, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | Prime Video |
Thunder vs Rockets latest injuries
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