San Antonio Spurs vs Houston Rockets Picks and Predictions October 28th 2024

Spurs vs Rockets October 28th 2024

The Rockets (-140) are favored by 2.5 points over the Spurs (+119) in this Western Southwest Division matchup. The over/under line for this game is 220.5 points.

Tip-off is set for 8:00 ET at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio. The game will be televised on SCHN.

Rockets vs. Spurs Key Information

The Rockets fell to 1-2 on the season after a 109-106 road loss to the Spurs on Saturday. Houston, favored by 1.5 points, not only lost the game but also failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 215, falling short of the 222.5 O/U line.

After a rough 2nd quarter where they were outscored 24-10, the Rockets faced an 18-0 run by the Spurs. Houston mounted a comeback in the 4th quarter, outscoring San Antonio 37-22, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit.

In the Rockets’ 109-106 loss to the Spurs, Jalen Green led the way with 29 points, adding 11 in the 4th quarter. He shot 45.5% from the field and hit 3 threes at 30%. Fred VanVleet contributed 18 points, with 8 in the final period, knocking down 4 threes at 40%.

Dillon Brooks also hit 4 threes, shooting 57.1% from deep and finishing with 16 points, 10 of which came in the 4th. The Rockets made 13 threes as a team, shooting 31.7% from beyond the arc and 41.3% overall from the field.

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Despite giving up 38 points in the 1st quarter, the Rockets tightened up defensively, allowing just 24 points in the 2nd, 25 in the 3rd, and 22 in the 4th. Overall, they gave up 109 points on 49% shooting from the field in their loss to the Spurs.

Houston did well in limiting San Antonio’s three-point shooting, allowing just 8 made threes at a 40% rate. The Rockets also sent the Spurs to the line 28 times, where they made 23 free throws. Defensively, the Rockets recorded 10 steals and 3 blocks.

The Spurs evened their record at 1-1 with a 109-106 win over the Rockets on Saturday. San Antonio, who were +1.5 point underdogs, covered the spread with the victory. The game’s total of 215 points fell short of the 222.5-point O/U line.

San Antonio took control early, going on an 18-0 run to stretch the score from 44-38 to 62-38. They held Houston to just 10 points in the 2nd quarter but had to hold off a late Rockets rally, as Houston outscored them 37-22 in the 4th quarter.

Jalen Green led the Rockets with 29 points and 6 rebounds in their 109-106 loss to the Spurs, shooting 45.5% from the field and hitting 3 threes at 30%. Fred VanVleet added 18 points, connecting on 4 threes at 40%, while Dillon Brooks contributed 16 points, also making 4 threes at 57.1%.

As a team, the Rockets shot 41.3% from the field and 31.7% from beyond the arc, making 13 threes. Green scored 11 points in the 4th quarter, while Brooks added 10, and VanVleet chipped in 8 in the final period.

Despite a rough 4th quarter where they gave up 37 points, the Spurs’ defense held strong in the 2nd, allowing just 10 points, which helped them secure a 109-106 win over the Rockets. San Antonio limited Houston to 41% shooting from the field.

From beyond the arc, the Spurs held the Rockets to 31% shooting, with Houston making 13 threes. San Antonio also sent the Rockets to the line 21 times, where they hit 17 free throws. The Spurs collected 39 defensive rebounds and allowed 8 offensive boards while adding 6 steals and 7 blocks.

For a point-spread wager in this Rockets vs. Spurs game, we suggest taking the Spurs at +2.5. Even though our predictions have the Rockets winning 140-139, we see the Spurs as the better choice on the point-spread.

Regarding the over/under, the current line is set at 220.5, and our model predicts the Rockets and Spurs to score a combined 279 points. We recommend betting on the over.

Spurs and Rockets Prepare for Round Two as Rivalry Intensifies

The rivalry between the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs, dormant for the past few seasons, is reigniting with a fresh crop of young talent. These two Texas teams, separated by just under 200 miles, will clash once again on Monday in San Antonio, just two days after the Spurs edged out the Rockets in a close 109-106 victory.

A History of Rivalry

The historic rivalry between the Spurs and Rockets dates back decades, driven by playoff battles and state pride. However, recent years of rebuilding and missing the playoffs have dimmed the spotlight on these matchups. With both franchises now focused on regaining respectability, the intensity has returned, especially among players new to the legacy.

In the lead-up to Saturday’s game, San Antonio’s Jeremy Sochan stirred the pot by declaring “(expletive) Houston!” during a press availability, stoking the competitive fire between the teams. The tension was on full display in Saturday’s game when rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama and Rockets forward Dillon Brooks engaged in a heated scuffle over a loose ball in the third quarter, further fueling the budding rivalry.

Spurs Take Game 1, But Not Without a Fight

The Spurs opened Saturday’s game with energy, jumping out to a 21-point halftime lead after a commanding 20-3 run in the latter part of the second quarter. But the Rockets stormed back in the fourth, cutting the deficit to just two points in the final minutes before ultimately falling short.

Wembanyama led the Spurs with a stellar 29 points, showcasing why he’s one of the league’s most anticipated rookies. Sochan contributed a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds, while Keldon Johnson, Julian Champagnie, and Harrison Barnes added solid scoring efforts. Rookie Stephon Castle also came up clutch with a free throw in the final seconds to secure the win.

“Houston’s coming back strong,” Johnson said after the game. “We know they’re hungry, and we’ve got to be ready to come in and try to repeat and get another win.”

For the Rockets, Jalen Green led the charge with 29 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter as he tried to pull his team back into the game. Fred VanVleet added 18 points, Brooks scored 16, and Jock Landale chipped in with 13.

Despite the comeback, Rockets coach Ime Udoka was critical of his team’s lackluster start. “This is two games in a row we haven’t guarded at all to start the game,” Udoka said. “Once we decided to get physical and start to play like we’re capable of, it became a game. We had our chances at the end.”

Key Players to Watch

• Victor Wembanyama (Spurs): The highly-touted rookie continues to impress, leading the Spurs with 29 points on Saturday and showing poise beyond his years. His size, skill, and basketball IQ make him a difficult matchup for any team, especially in the paint where he can dominate defensively and offensively.
• Jalen Green (Rockets): Known for his explosive scoring ability, Green showcased his potential in the fourth quarter against the Spurs, nearly leading a Rockets comeback. Green’s performance will be pivotal as Houston looks to rebound on Monday night.
• Dillon Brooks (Rockets): Brooks brings a physical edge to Houston’s lineup and was instrumental in Saturday’s intense matchup. His energy on both ends of the floor—and his willingness to engage in the game’s physical battles—could prove valuable as the Rockets seek to avenge their loss.
• Jeremy Sochan (Spurs): Sochan’s bold comments before the game added fuel to the fire, and his strong two-way play and 17 points on Saturday demonstrated his commitment. As a vocal and physical presence, Sochan’s leadership will be crucial for the Spurs.

Game Strategy and Outlook

For the Spurs, replicating the defensive intensity and balanced scoring that helped them build a commanding lead in Game 1 will be essential. If they can avoid late-game lapses and execute down the stretch, they have a good shot at completing the sweep.

The Rockets, on the other hand, need to improve their early-game defense, which Udoka pointed out as a key issue. With a deeper rotation and the ability to disrupt opponents when they increase physicality, Houston must channel that aggressiveness from the start. If they can contain Wembanyama’s impact and stay competitive on the boards, they could turn the tables on the Spurs.

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Looking Ahead

Monday’s game is only the second of four scheduled meetings between these teams this season. They will meet again in Houston on November 6 and February 26, setting up more opportunities for a fierce rivalry to develop as both teams progress in their rebuilding journeys.

As these young squads continue to grow, the rekindled rivalry between the Spurs and Rockets is expected to bring an exciting chapter of Texas basketball. With new talents stepping up on both sides, fans can anticipate another spirited contest as the Spurs look to build momentum and the Rockets seek redemption.