Rockets vs Thunder NBA Pick: Can Houston Slow Down OKC? (Apr 4)

• The Thunder are 64-12 and have the best record in the league.
• Houston is 50-27 and has a three-game lead over Denver and LA for the No. 2 spot in the conference playoff race.
• These teams last played on Mar. 3, with the Thunder coming out on top 137-128

One of the games on Friday’s NBA slate features the Houston Rockets hosting the Oklahoma City Thunder. Can Houston snap OKC’s win streak in our Rockets vs Thunder pick?

Rockets Coming Off Blowout Win Over The Jazz

After their three-game winning streak ended with a six-point loss against the Los Angeles Lakers, the Rockets responded with a dominating 143-105 win over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday.

Jalen Green spearheaded an offense in which seven players reached double figures, including four of the team’s starters. He finished with 22 points and four rebounds on 7-for-15 shooting from the field and 4-for-7 from beyond the arc.

Dillon Brooks poured in 21 points, while Tari Eason and Alperen Sengun scored 15. Houston also got 61 points from its reserves.

After trailing 20-16, the Rockets ended the first quarter on a 17-6 surge. They followed that up with a 37-20 scoring edge in the second period, which resulted in a comfortable 70-46 lead at the break, thus essentially putting the game out of reach for Utah.

Thunder Shooting For 12th Straight Victory

Meanwhile, the Thunder have not lost a game in over three weeks. Their latest triumph includes a 119-103 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander spearheaded an offense where all five starters registered double-digit scoring totals. His final stat line included 33 points, six rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocked shots.

Jalen Williams added 23 points, five rebounds and three assists. Chet Holmgren contributed 22 points, 11 boards, four dimes, and two steals. OKC’s big man also turned away six shots.

After trailing by 14 points, Detroit was within six points late in the final frame. However, Lu Dort knocked down a key 3-pointer, giving the home team a nine-point advantage with three minutes left to play.

With their latest victory, the Thunder finished with a 29-1 record against Eastern Conference opponents. The 96.7% winning percentage is the best in NBA history against an opposing conference.

Rockets vs Thunder Pick: Who Has The Edge In This Western Conference Showdown?

The Rockets have gone 8-2 in their last 10 games. Although they are a pedestrian ball club from a scoring standpoint (17th in points per game), this group ranks fifth in points allowed.

On the other hand, OKC is hot, having won its previous 11 contests, including the last five by double-digit margins. The Thunder are ranked third in offensive efficiency and boast the league’s top defensive rating, allowing 107.0 points per 100 possessions.

Both teams are playing some good basketball, which means the game could go in either direction. Given the Thunder’s lengthy win streak and the fact they have won three of the four head-to-head matchups this season, look for them to get the win when these conference foes face off on Friday night.