This season, it seems like all eyes are on Texas basketball. Luka Doncic has a historic season for the Dallas Mavericksand Victor Wembanyama immediately propelled the San Antonio Spurs back to the center of the basketball world. THE Houston Rocketsdespite being a promising young team, has taken a back seat.
Despite being the third NBA team in Texas, the Rockets are 1-1 against the Spurs this season and hold the same record against the Mavericks. Tonight, Houston will host Wembanyama and the Spurs.
Although there is a budding rivalry between Wemby and Jabari Smith Jr., it seems full of mutual respect. Tonight, the two could face off for the third time this season.
Wembanyama and Julian Champagnie are questionable for Spurs, and Charles Bassey remains out. Houston will continue to be without Tari Eason and Steven Adams.
Keep up to date with our three best bets, thanks to the lines on SI sports betting.
The lines
Point spread: Spurs +7.5 (-118)/Rockets -7.5 (-110)
Money line: Spurs (+240)/Rockets (-333)
More less : 228.5
Our choices
Safe choice: Jalen Green OVER 20.5 points (-118)
Green Jalen scored 22 and seven points in his previous two matchups with the Spurs, but those games took place before the New Year. Assuming Wembanyama will play, expecting Houston to pound the paint is simply too big an ask . Green is shooting 41.3 percent from deep over his last five games, so if he can continue to spread the floor, the offense should run through him, generating plenty of points.
Team Pick: Spurs +7.5 (-118)
Offering to bet against the Rockets on a Houston-based site might not be the best way to make friends, but in this case, it’s the best way to make money. The Spurs are 1-9 in their last ten away games, so don’t expect them to win, but in their last two games they easily beat the Pacers and Thunder, in the playoffs. These Spurs look dangerous and should be able to stay close against a declining Rockets team.
Rising Stars Parlay Picks: Jabari Smith Jr. OVER 12.5 points, Smith Jr. OVER 10.5 rebounds, Victor Wembanyama OVER 10.5 rebounds, Wembanyama OVER 1.5 made threes (+575)
Smith Jr. has grabbed at least 13 rebounds in four of his last five games and had 12 rebounds in his last game against the Spurs. He has also scored at least 13 points in four of his last five games. As for Wembanyama, if he plays, he has recently reached another level, averaging 11.6 rebounds, 25.0 points and 2.8 threes per game.
