Rockets Dominate Thunder in Houston Showdown
Saturday, October 31, 2026, 8:30 PM ET · Toyota Center (Houston)
Houston Rockets 119, Oklahoma City Thunder 98, final. Today's NBA pick is already sealed, as a hash, before kickoff.
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Quick answers
Who won Oklahoma City Thunder vs Houston Rockets?
Houston Rockets beat Oklahoma City Thunder 119-98 at Toyota Center (Houston) on October 31, 2026.
Who was favored in Oklahoma City Thunder vs Houston Rockets?
Houston Rockets were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -142 (about 59% implied). The favorite won.
The Houston Rockets delivered a commanding performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder, winning decisively with a final score of 119 to 98 at the Toyota Center. This victory not only showcased the Rockets' strength at home but also extended their lead in the season series against the Thunder to 2-0. Houston's record now stands at 7-1, while Oklahoma City falls to 4-3.
Houston entered the game with a solid home record of 4-1 and had averaged 122.2 points per game over their last ten outings, although they were coming off a loss to the Dallas Mavericks. The Rockets had previously shown their offensive prowess with a recent win against the Milwaukee Bucks, scoring 132 points in that matchup. In contrast, the Thunder had a 3-2 record on the road and averaged 114.8 points per game in their last ten games, but they were also coming off a loss to the Mavericks, where they managed only 96 points.
In terms of injuries, the Rockets were without key players Reed Sheppard, Fred VanVleet, and Steven Adams, all of whom were sidelined due to various injuries. The Thunder faced a more significant injury crisis, missing Cason Wallace, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Alex Caruso, and Thomas Sorber, which undoubtedly impacted their performance.
The game started with the Rockets establishing an early lead, and they maintained control throughout. The Thunder struggled to find their rhythm, particularly in the first half, where they fell behind significantly. Houston's offensive strategy was evident, as they utilized their home court advantage effectively, scoring consistently and keeping the Thunder's scoring to a minimum.
As the game progressed, the Rockets continued to build their lead, with standout plays from their roster. In the fourth quarter, Bruce Thornton made a notable 26-foot three-pointer, pushing the score to 119 for the Rockets. The Thunder attempted to close the gap with a few late scoring plays, including a layup from Brooks Barnhizer, but it was too little, too late.
The betting lines provided by DraftKings indicated that the Rockets were favored by 2.5 points, with a total set at 219.5 for the game. The odds reflected the expectation of a competitive matchup, but the Rockets' performance far exceeded those expectations.
Overall, the Rockets' ability to score efficiently while limiting the Thunder's opportunities was the key to their victory. The final score of 119-98 highlighted the Rockets' dominance in this matchup and their continued push for a strong season.
What we said beforehand
The Houston Rockets will take on the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Toyota Center in Houston on November 1, 2026. This matchup is particularly interesting as both teams are coming off strong starts to the season. The Rockets hold a home record of 5-1, while the Thunder are 4-1 on the road, making this a compelling contest between two competitive squads.
In their last five games, the Rockets have a record of 4-1. They started strong with victories against the San Antonio Spurs, Atlanta Hawks, and Milwaukee Bucks, scoring 114-110, 121-114, and 132-100, respectively. However, they faced a setback in their most recent game against the Dallas Mavericks, losing 116-111. Overall, the Rockets have averaged 119.6 points scored and 110.0 points allowed in their last five games, showcasing their offensive capabilities.
The Thunder have also performed well recently, boasting a 4-1 record in their last five games. They secured wins against the San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets, LA Clippers, and Phoenix Suns, with scores of 116-104, 96-84, 108-101, and 125-114, respectively. Their only loss came against the Dallas Mavericks, where they fell 120-96. The Thunder have averaged 108.2 points scored and 104.6 points allowed in their last five games, indicating a solid defensive effort.
When it comes to home and away performance, the Rockets have a home record of 4-1, while the Thunder are 3-2 on the road. The Rockets have averaged 122.2 points scored and 110.4 points allowed at home, while the Thunder have averaged 114.8 points scored and 109.3 points allowed in away games. This suggests that the Rockets have been particularly effective offensively at home, which could be a crucial factor in this matchup.
In terms of their head-to-head record this season, the Rockets have faced the Thunder three times, with the Thunder leading 2-1. The most recent meeting on February 7, 2026, saw the Thunder win 112-106, while the Rockets lost 91-111 at home on January 16, 2026, and fell 124-125 in an earlier encounter on October 21, 2025. This history adds an extra layer of intrigue as the Rockets look to even the score against their division rivals.
Injury concerns could play a significant role in the outcome of this game. The Rockets will be without Reed Sheppard (back), Fred VanVleet (knee), and Steven Adams (calf), which could impact their depth and overall performance. Similarly, the Thunder will miss Cason Wallace (shoulder), Chet Holmgren (knee), Jalen Williams (leg), Alex Caruso (ankle), and Thomas Sorber (knee), which may affect their rotation and strategies.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, has the Rockets favored by a spread of -2.5, with a total set at 219.5. The odds for the Rockets' money line are -142.0, while the Thunder's money line sits at 120.0. This indicates that the Rockets are seen as slight favorites, reflecting their strong home performance and the Thunder's injury issues.
As for the conditions, the game will take place at the Toyota Center, which is known for its lively atmosphere and home-court advantage for the Rockets. Fans can expect an exciting environment as both teams vie for an important win early in the season.
In this matchup, viewers should watch for the performance of Alperen Sengun, who leads the Rockets with an average of 24.5 points, 7.0 assists, and 9.0 rebounds per game. For the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a key player, averaging 26.0 points per game. The absence of key players due to injury will also be critical to monitor, as both teams will need to adjust their strategies accordingly.
Overall, this game promises to be a competitive clash between two teams looking to establish their footing in the early part of the NBA season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | HOU -2.5 | 219.5 o -108 / u -112 | Oklahoma City Thunder +120 · Houston Rockets -142 |
Injury report
- Reed SheppardOutBackHouston Rockets
- Fred VanVleetOutKneeHouston Rockets
- Steven AdamsOutCalfHouston Rockets
- Cason WallaceOutShoulderOklahoma City Thunder
- Chet HolmgrenOutKneeOklahoma City Thunder
- Jalen WilliamsOutLegOklahoma City Thunder
- Alex CarusoOutAnkleOklahoma City Thunder
- Thomas SorberOutKneeOklahoma City Thunder
Leaders
- PointsJabari Smith Jr.30Houston Rockets
- AssistsAlperen Sengun9Houston Rockets
- ReboundsJabari Smith Jr.9Houston Rockets
- PointsShai Gilgeous-Alexander26Oklahoma City Thunder
- AssistsAjay Mitchell5Oklahoma City Thunder
- ReboundsAday Mara9Oklahoma City Thunder
Recent form
Houston Rockets
Last 10: 8-2Streak L1122.2 scored · 110.4 allowed per game4-1 at home
- L111-116at Dallas MavericksOct 31
- W132-100at Milwaukee BucksOct 29
- W120-110vs Atlanta HawksOct 27
- W121-114at Atlanta HawksOct 25
- W114-110at San Antonio SpursOct 24
- W128-110vs Dallas MavericksOct 22
- W132-101vs Memphis GrizzliesApr 13
- L132-136vs Minnesota TimberwolvesApr 11
- W113-102vs Philadelphia 76ersApr 10
- W119-105at Phoenix SunsApr 8
Oklahoma City Thunder
Last 10: 7-3Streak L1114.8 scored · 109.3 allowed per game3-2 away
- L96-120at Dallas MavericksOct 29
- W125-114vs Phoenix SunsOct 27
- W108-101vs LA ClippersOct 25
- W96-84vs Denver NuggetsOct 23
- W116-104at San Antonio SpursOct 21
- L103-135vs Phoenix SunsApr 13
- L107-127at Denver NuggetsApr 11
- W128-110at LA ClippersApr 9
- W123-87at Los Angeles LakersApr 8
- W146-111vs Utah JazzApr 5
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portland | - | 1 | W1 | .800 | 4 |
| Oklahoma City | 0.5 | 2 | L2 | .667 | 4 |
| Denver | 1 | 2 | W2 | .600 | 3 |
| Minnesota | 1 | 3 | L1 | .571 | 4 |
| Utah | 3.5 | 5 | L4 | .167 | 1 |
| Memphis | - | 0 | W6 | 1.000 | 6 |
| Houston | 0.5 | 1 | W1 | .857 | 6 |
| San Antonio | 2 | 2 | W4 | .667 | 4 |
| Dallas | 2 | 2 | W3 | .667 | 4 |
| New Orleans | 4 | 4 | W2 | .333 | 2 |
Box score
| Stat | Oklahoma City Thunder | Houston Rockets |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 37-85 | 41-90 |
| Field goal % | 44 | 46 |
| Three-pointers | 10-32 | 18-41 |
| Three-point % | 31 | 44 |
| Free throws | 14-15 | 19-23 |
| Free throw % | 93 | 83 |
| Rebounds | 42 | 44 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 13 |
| Defensive rebounds | 32 | 31 |
| Assists | 20 | 29 |
| Steals | 8 | 5 |
| Blocks | 4 | 7 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 2 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 2 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 16 | 10 |
| Fast-break points | 13 | 13 |
| Points in the paint | 44 | 30 |
| Fouls | 20 | 13 |
| Largest lead | 4 | 27 |
| Lead changes | 1 | 1 |
| Time in front | 5 | 93 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter61-75Jaylin Williams makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter61-78Jabari Smith Jr. makes 25-foot three point jumper (Kevin Durant assists)
- 3rd Quarter64-78Kenrich Williams makes 30-foot three point jumper (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander assists)
- 3rd Quarter64-81Jabari Smith Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (Clint Capela assists)
- 3rd Quarter67-81Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes 27-foot running jump shot (Jared McCain assists)
- 3rd Quarter67-83Kevin Durant makes 13-foot pullup jump shot
- 3rd Quarter70-83Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes 28-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 3rd Quarter70-85Tari Eason makes 4-foot driving dunk (Kevin Durant assists)
- 3rd Quarter72-85Aday Mara makes 3-foot dunk (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander assists)
- 3rd Quarter73-85Aday Mara makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter73-88Tari Eason makes 24-foot three point jumper (Alperen Sengun assists)
- 3rd Quarter73-90Amen Thompson makes layup (Tari Eason assists)
- 3rd Quarter75-90Aday Mara makes tip in dunk
- 3rd Quarter75-92Alperen Sengun makes driving layup (Bogdan Bogdanovic assists)
- 4th Quarter75-93Alperen Sengun makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter77-93Isaiah Hartenstein makes 3-foot alley oop dunk (Ajay Mitchell assists)
- 4th Quarter77-96Isaiah Crawford makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jabari Smith Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter79-96Ajay Mitchell makes 6-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter79-98Jabari Smith Jr. makes 18-foot pullup jump shot (Alperen Sengun assists)
- 4th Quarter81-98Ajay Mitchell makes 9-foot driving floating jump shot (Bennett Stirtz assists)
- 4th Quarter81-100Bogdan Bogdanovic makes 16-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter81-103Jabari Smith Jr. makes 28-foot three point jumper (Marcus Smart assists)
- 4th Quarter81-104Jabari Smith Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter81-105Jabari Smith Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter81-108Marcus Smart makes 23-foot three point jumper (Alperen Sengun assists)
- 4th Quarter84-108Bennett Stirtz makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot (Aday Mara assists)
- 4th Quarter86-108Josh Dix makes 2-foot running dunk (Jaylin Williams assists)
- 4th Quarter86-109Amen Thompson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter86-110Amen Thompson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter88-110Josh Dix makes layup (Aday Mara assists)
- 4th Quarter90-110Bennett Stirtz makes 1-foot layup (Aday Mara assists)
- 4th Quarter90-112Bogdan Bogdanovic makes 16-foot fade away jump shot (Oscar Tshiebwe assists)
- 4th Quarter90-114Bruce Thornton makes 7-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter90-116Oscar Tshiebwe makes running layup (Jae'Sean Tate assists)
- 4th Quarter93-116Josh Dix makes 25-foot three point jumper (Bennett Stirtz assists)
- 4th Quarter94-116Brooks Barnhizer makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter95-116Brooks Barnhizer makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter95-119Bruce Thornton makes 26-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter97-119Brooks Barnhizer makes layup (Bennett Stirtz assists)
- 4th Quarter98-119Brooks Barnhizer makes free throw 1 of 1
Win probability
Above the line favours Houston Rockets, below favours Oklahoma City Thunder.
Venue
- Toyota Center (Houston)Houston, TX
- Attendance18055
- OfficialsMark Lindsay, Aaron Smith, Sha'Rae Mitchell
Elsewhere
- Wembanyama has 43 points and 6 blocks to lead Spurs past short-handed Timberwolves 121-111
- Jabari Smith Jr. scores 30 points, Rockets beat Thunder 119-98
- Sacramento Kings vs. Memphis Grizzlies: Game Highlights
- Minnesota Timberwolves vs. San Antonio Spurs: Game Highlights
- Mobley scores 27, Allen adds 25 as Cavaliers ride 48-point second quarter to get past Bucks 136-111
- Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Milwaukee Bucks: Game Highlights
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