San Antonio (24-32) at Houston (36-22)
- When: Feb 26 2025, 9:30 PM
- Where: Toyota Center, Houston, TX, USA
- TV: ESPN
Game Preview
Houston Rockets Favored by 9.0, Total Set at 227.5
The Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs face off on Wednesday night in the second game of a back-to-back for both teams. The Rockets snapped a tough stretch of losses with a gritty win over the Bucks on Tuesday, while the Spurs continue to struggle without Victor Wembanyama.
With Houston favored by 9.0 points and the total set at 227.5, this Western Conference showdown offers intriguing betting opportunities. Will Houston’s defense continue to shine, or can San Antonio find a way to compete despite its depleted roster?
Houston Rockets: Getting Back to Their Defensive Identity
The Rockets (25-31) snapped a two-game skid by securing a hard-fought 100-97 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday. That victory showcased some of the defensive intensity and rebounding dominance that had propelled them up the Western Conference standings earlier in the season.
Despite Fred VanVleet missing his 10th straight game due to an ankle injury, Houston leaned on its defense in the fourth quarter, holding the Bucks to just 3-of-18 shooting and forcing seven turnovers to complete the comeback.
Houston’s rebounding was a major factor, winning the battle on the boards 53-37. Alperen Sengun led the charge with 11 rebounds, while Amen Thompson (9), Dillon Brooks (8), Jalen Green (8), and Jabari Smith Jr. (8) all contributed.
Head coach Ime Udoka emphasized the need for consistency, calling on both young players and veterans to step up as the team pushes for a postseason berth.
“I think the success we had early, we got a little content at times,” Udoka said. “We’re not doing the things we were doing early in the season as far as effort and physicality. The growth is what I’m talking about. Some of those guys are three or four years in the league, and we want to see steps taken.”
With VanVleet sidelined again, Houston will rely on Jalen Green and Sengun to lead the offense, while their defense and rebounding could be key in covering the spread against the struggling Spurs.
Key Betting Trends for Houston:
Rockets are 6-1 ATS in their last seven home games.
Houston has hit the Under in four of its last five games.
Rockets are 2-5 ATS in their last seven games overall.
San Antonio Spurs: Struggling Without Wembanyama
The Spurs (11-46) are just 1-3 since the All-Star break, and things have only gotten worse after Victor Wembanyama was ruled out for the rest of the season due to deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder.
Without their franchise star, the Spurs dropped another game on Tuesday, falling 109-103 on the road to the New Orleans Pelicans. While they were competitive in stretches, the lack of defensive presence and rebounding without Wembanyama was evident.
One bright spot for San Antonio has been veteran forward Harrison Barnes, who has provided stability despite the team’s struggles. Barnes posted 15 points and five rebounds in the loss to New Orleans while appearing in his 278th consecutive game.
Head coach Mitch Johnson praised Barnes’ resilience, especially given the long, challenging season for the Spurs.
“It’s a long season,” Johnson said. “There are a lot of circumstances and reasons to not feel up at times to play a game or be ready to compete. For someone who probably had a few times to say ‘maybe not tonight,’ he did, so he deserves credit for that.”
With no Wembanyama to anchor the defense, the Spurs will have a tough time keeping up with Houston’s rebounding and interior scoring, making this a difficult matchup to pull off an upset.
Key Betting Trends for San Antonio:
Spurs are 4-1 ATS in their last five road games as an underdog.
San Antonio is 2-8 in its last 10 games.
Spurs are 1-5 ATS in their last six games vs. Western Conference opponents.
Game Prediction & Best Bets
With Houston finding success defensively and San Antonio struggling without Wembanyama, this game sets up well for the Rockets to cover the spread. The Rockets’ rebounding edge and ability to lock down defensively in key moments should be enough to secure a comfortable home win.
Best Bets:
Houston -9.0 – The Rockets’ size advantage on the boards and superior defense make them a strong play at home.
Under 227.5 – With Houston focusing on defense and San Antonio missing Wembanyama’s scoring impact, this game could stay under the total.
Final Score Prediction: Houston 116, San Antonio 103
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
