Rockets vs Spurs: Preview, Odds, and Key Players for Monday’s NBA Matchup

The Houston Rockets and the San Antonio Spurs are set to face off again on Monday, October 28, after the Spurs secured their first win of the 2024-25 season against the Rockets on Saturday. The game will take place at the AT&T Center, with tip-off scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET.

In their previous encounter, the Spurs dominated the Rockets, shooting nearly 50 percent from the field and outrebounding them 49-34. Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 29 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks. Despite trailing by as many as 22 points, the Rockets made a late surge but ultimately fell short, losing 109-106.

The Rockets, currently 1-2 on the season, have shown promise with their young roster, including Alperen Şengün and Jalen Green. Green has been particularly impressive, averaging 26.3 points per game and shooting 36.4 percent from three-point range. However, the team’s overall performance has been inconsistent, with narrow losses in two of their first three games.

The Spurs, now 1-1, have a balanced roster with a mix of veterans like Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes, and young talent such as Wembanyama, Jeremy Sochan, and Keldon Johnson. Julian Champagnie has also made a significant impact, averaging 15.0 points and 6.5 rebounds in the Spurs’ first two games.

For the upcoming game, the Rockets are favored by 2.5 points, with a game total of 221.5 points. Betting trends suggest that the under might be a good bet, given that the under has hit in four of the last five meetings between these teams. Additionally, both teams have been careful with the ball, ranking high in terms of fewest turnovers per game.

Key players to watch include Jalen Green for the Rockets and Victor Wembanyama for the Spurs. Wembanyama’s performance has been particularly noteworthy, and he is expected to continue making a strong impact. Stephon Castle, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, also showed promise in the previous game with his all-around contributions.