Rockets Defeat Cavaliers 117-100 at Home
Saturday, December 27, 2025, 8:00 PM ET · Toyota Center (Houston)
Houston Rockets 117, Cleveland Cavaliers 100, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Cleveland Cavaliers vs Houston Rockets?
Houston Rockets beat Cleveland Cavaliers 117-100 at Toyota Center (Houston) on December 27, 2025.
Who was favored in Cleveland Cavaliers vs Houston Rockets?
Houston Rockets were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -135 (about 57% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup at the Toyota Center, the Houston Rockets secured a 117-100 victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers, extending their dominance in the series to 3-0 this season. The Rockets, now boasting a home record of 19-10, showcased their scoring prowess, averaging 118.1 points over their last ten games, even as they navigated a challenging injury landscape. The Cavaliers, with a record of 17-16, struggled to keep pace, particularly in the fourth quarter, where the Rockets pulled away decisively.
Houston's recent form has been a mix of highs and lows, reflected in their last ten games where they posted a 5-5 record. They entered this game on a one-game winning streak, having defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 119-96 just two days prior. In that game, the Rockets demonstrated their offensive capabilities, which they carried into this matchup against Cleveland. Their scoring average at home has been impressive, with an average of 118.8 points in their last five games, while they allowed an average of 116.6 points.
Conversely, the Cavaliers have faced difficulties recently, recording a 4-6 record in their last ten games. Their last outing resulted in a narrow loss to the New York Knicks, 124-126, indicating a trend of close games but ultimately falling short. Cleveland's scoring average of 121.5 points in their last ten games has been offset by a defensive average of 122.2 points allowed, highlighting their struggles on that end of the court.
The Rockets' performance at home has been notably stronger than their away record, as they have won their last three home games. In contrast, the Cavaliers have only managed a 1-2 record in their last three away games, which may have contributed to their inability to secure a victory in Houston. The previous meetings between these two teams this season saw the Rockets winning decisively, including a 114-104 victory in Cleveland earlier in December.
In terms of injuries, the Rockets faced challenges with key players Kevin Durant, Fred VanVleet, and Steven Adams all listed as day-to-day due to various ailments. Their statuses were closely monitored leading up to the game, as their absence could significantly impact Houston's performance. The Cavaliers, while not mentioned in the injury report, needed to contend with the Rockets' depth and scoring ability.
The betting market reflected a competitive matchup, with DraftKings pricing the Rockets as 2.5-point favorites, indicating a close contest expected by oddsmakers. The total for the game was set at 231.5, suggesting a high-scoring affair, which ultimately played out as the Rockets exceeded that total on their own.
As the game progressed, the Rockets established a significant lead, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they outscored the Cavaliers decisively. Key moments included a series of scoring plays that extended their lead to 117-98, with contributions from players like JD Davison and Jeff Green, who helped seal the victory with timely baskets. The final score of 117-100 underscored the Rockets' ability to maintain control and execute down the stretch, a critical factor in their success this season.
Overall, this game highlighted the Rockets' offensive capabilities and their ability to perform well at home, while the Cavaliers continue to seek consistency in their performances as they navigate the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | HOU -2.5 | 231.5 o -115 / u -105 | Cleveland Cavaliers +114 · Houston Rockets -135 |
Injury report
- Kevin DurantDay-To-DayAnkleHouston Rockets
- Fred VanVleetDay-To-DayKneeHouston Rockets
- Steven AdamsDay-To-DayAnkleHouston Rockets
Leaders
- PointsKevin Durant30Houston Rockets
- AssistsReed Sheppard8Houston Rockets
- ReboundsAmen Thompson9Houston Rockets
- PointsJaylon Tyson23Cleveland Cavaliers
- AssistsDonovan Mitchell6Cleveland Cavaliers
- ReboundsJaylon Tyson15Cleveland Cavaliers
Recent form
Houston Rockets
Last 10: 5-5Streak W1118.1 scored · 113.9 allowed per game3-0 at home
- W119-96at Los Angeles LakersDec 26
- L108-128at LA ClippersDec 24
- L124-125at Sacramento KingsDec 22
- W115-101at Denver NuggetsDec 20
- L128-133at New Orleans PelicansDec 19
- L125-128at Denver NuggetsDec 16
- W115-113vs LA ClippersDec 12
- L109-122at Dallas MavericksDec 7
- W117-98vs Phoenix SunsDec 6
- W121-95vs Sacramento KingsDec 4
Cleveland Cavaliers
Last 10: 4-6Streak L1121.5 scored · 122.2 allowed per game1-2 away
- L124-126at New York KnicksDec 25
- W141-118vs New Orleans PelicansDec 24
- W139-132vs Charlotte HornetsDec 23
- L125-136vs Chicago BullsDec 20
- L111-127at Chicago BullsDec 18
- L111-119vs Charlotte HornetsDec 14
- W130-126at Washington WizardsDec 13
- L94-99vs Golden State WarriorsDec 7
- W130-117vs San Antonio SpursDec 6
- L110-122vs Portland Trail BlazersDec 4
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit | - | 22 | W3 | .732 | 60 |
| Cleveland | 8 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| Milwaukee | 28 | 50 | L1 | .390 | 32 |
| Chicago | 29 | 51 | L2 | .378 | 31 |
| Indiana | 41 | 63 | L2 | .232 | 19 |
| San Antonio | - | 20 | L1 | .756 | 62 |
| Houston | 10 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| New Orleans | 36 | 56 | L2 | .317 | 26 |
| Dallas | 36 | 56 | W1 | .317 | 26 |
| Memphis | 37 | 57 | L8 | .305 | 25 |
Box score
| Stat | Cleveland Cavaliers | Houston Rockets |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 41-96 | 43-88 |
| Field goal % | 43 | 49 |
| Three-pointers | 11-36 | 16-35 |
| Three-point % | 31 | 46 |
| Free throws | 7-11 | 15-21 |
| Free throw % | 64 | 71 |
| Rebounds | 42 | 51 |
| Offensive rebounds | 15 | 18 |
| Defensive rebounds | 27 | 33 |
| Assists | 23 | 27 |
| Steals | 10 | 12 |
| Blocks | 6 | 9 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 15 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 2 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 26 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 13 | 15 |
| Points in the paint | 56 | 40 |
| Fouls | 15 | 14 |
| Largest lead | 3 | 31 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 7 | 89 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter58-81Kevin Durant makes 2-foot dunk (Reed Sheppard assists)
- 3rd Quarter58-82Kevin Durant makes technical free throw
- 3rd Quarter58-85Jabari Smith Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper (Dorian Finney-Smith assists)
- 3rd Quarter61-85Dean Wade makes 25-foot three point jumper (Donovan Mitchell assists)
- 3rd Quarter61-88Reed Sheppard makes 28-foot three point jumper (Amen Thompson assists)
- 3rd Quarter62-88De'Andre Hunter makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter63-88De'Andre Hunter makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter63-90Clint Capela makes 2-foot alley oop dunk (Jabari Smith Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter63-92Amen Thompson makes running layup
- 4th Quarter63-94Amen Thompson makes 2-foot running dunk (Reed Sheppard assists)
- 4th Quarter65-94Sam Merrill makes 16-foot step back jumpshot (Donovan Mitchell assists)
- 4th Quarter67-94Jaylon Tyson makes running layup (Donovan Mitchell assists)
- 4th Quarter67-95Reed Sheppard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter67-96Reed Sheppard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter70-96Donovan Mitchell makes 25-foot three pointer (Thomas Bryant assists)
- 4th Quarter70-98Amen Thompson makes 5-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter72-98Sam Merrill makes 7-foot two point shot (Craig Porter Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter74-98Craig Porter Jr. makes running layup (Sam Merrill assists)
- 4th Quarter74-101Josh Okogie makes 30-foot three point jumper (Amen Thompson assists)
- 4th Quarter76-101Jaylon Tyson makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter76-104Tari Eason makes 23-foot three point jumper (Reed Sheppard assists)
- 4th Quarter76-106Reed Sheppard makes 18-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter78-106Jaylon Tyson makes driving layup (Thomas Bryant assists)
- 4th Quarter79-106Jaylon Tyson makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter81-106Tyrese Proctor makes 3-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter82-106Jaylon Tyson makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter82-108Josh Okogie makes driving layup (Aaron Holiday assists)
- 4th Quarter84-108Jaylon Tyson makes 3-foot dunk (Tyrese Proctor assists)
- 4th Quarter86-108Jaylon Tyson makes 8-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter86-111Josh Okogie makes 28-foot three point jumper (Jeff Green assists)
- 4th Quarter87-111Thomas Bryant makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter89-111Thomas Bryant makes layup
- 4th Quarter91-111Jaylon Tyson makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter91-112JD Davison makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter93-112Tyrese Proctor makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter95-112Thomas Bryant makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter95-114JD Davison makes 14-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter98-114Tyrese Proctor makes 25-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter98-117Jeff Green makes 28-foot three point jumper (JD Davison assists)
- 4th Quarter100-117Thomas Bryant makes 2-foot dunk
Win probability
Above the line favours Houston Rockets, below favours Cleveland Cavaliers.
Venue
- Toyota Center (Houston)Houston, TX
- Attendance18067
- OfficialsMarc Davis, Karl Lane, Jenna Reneau
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