Houston Rockets vs Oklahoma City Thunder Picks and Predictions April 4th 2025

Best of the West: Thunder Face Surging Rockets in Fifth Showdown

With a dominant 143-105 victory over the Utah Jazz, the Houston Rockets (50-27) punched their first postseason ticket in five years — a milestone that reflects just how far this team has come.

They’ve now won 13 of their last 15, jumped ahead of both the Lakers and Nuggets in the standings, and are just five games away from locking in a top playoff seed. That quest continues Friday when they host the Oklahoma City Thunder (64-12) — a team they’ve only beaten once in four tries this season.

While the locker room celebrated the moment, head coach Ime Udoka reminded everyone that expectations go beyond just making the cut.

“It feels good… but that was our expectation this year,” Udoka said. “Now it’s about maintaining that. Nobody’s overly excited.”

After finishing 41-41 last season, the Rockets took a leap by mixing experienced vets like Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, and Steven Adams with rising stars Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun. For Green and Sengun, this is their first playoff run — and you can bet they’re hungry.

Check out the latest Western Conference playoff odds to see where the Rockets stack up.

High Stakes: Rockets Still Fighting for the No. 2 Seed

Playoff berth or not, seeding still matters. The Rockets currently hold the No. 2 spot, but the Lakers and Nuggets are close behind. Houston’s final five games could determine everything — and they’re anything but easy.

Here’s what’s coming:

• Golden State Warriors
• Los Angeles Clippers
• Los Angeles Lakers
• Denver Nuggets

Every game is against a playoff-caliber team. It’s a trial by fire — exactly what Udoka wants to prepare his squad for the postseason.

“It’s going to be a pressure situation,” Udoka said. “That’s good for us. These games mean something.”

Dive into division races with our NBA Southwest Division odds.

Thunder Rolling: OKC Eyes 70-Win Season

Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder have morphed into a full-blown juggernaut.

Winners of 18 of their last 19, OKC has locked up the best record in the league and owns a 3-game lead over the Cavs for overall No. 1. If they win out, they’ll finish with 70 victories, joining historic company like the 2016 Warriors (73 wins) and 1996 Bulls (72).

What makes them dangerous? Balance.

• Top 3 in Offensive Rating
• Best Defensive Rating in the NBA
• Deep, unselfish roster
• And a coach in Mark Daigneault who keeps them grounded

“It’s all about fundamentals,” Daigneault said. “That matters every night — especially in the playoffs.”

The Thunder aren’t just running up the score. They’re playing playoff-style defense now, building habits that translate to May and June.

For a look at OKC’s postseason potential, check the NBA Championship Odds.

Key Storyline: Can Rockets Crack the Thunder?

This will be the fifth time these two teams meet, and so far, it’s been OKC 3, Houston 1.

Houston has momentum and a healthy roster, but Oklahoma City’s length, pace, and execution have given them fits. If the Rockets want to prove they’re a true threat out West, this is the test.

It’s a potential Western Conference Finals preview, and it’s coming at the perfect time.

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FAQs

Have the Rockets clinched a playoff spot?

Yes, Houston clinched with their blowout win over Utah — their first postseason appearance since 2020.

What seed are the Rockets currently?

They’re sitting second in the West, just ahead of the Lakers and Nuggets with five games left.

How close are the Thunder to making history?

At 64-12, the Thunder could hit 70 wins with a perfect finish — something only two teams have ever done.

How have the Thunder performed against the Rockets?

Oklahoma City has won three of the four matchups this season. This will be their fifth and final meeting.

Who are the Rockets’ standout players?

Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun are blossoming stars, while veterans like Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks provide toughness and leadership.

Where can I follow more NBA playoff updates?

You’ll find full breakdowns on NBA division races and title odds on ScoresAndStats.