Rockets vs. Thunder Prediction & Odds for NBA Cup Semifinal

Shane Jackson Dec 12, 2024, 4:12 PM

min read

Jalen Green #4 and Amen Thompson #1 of the Houston Rockets celebrates after the game against the Golden State Warriors during the Emirates NBA Cup Quarterfinals on December 11, 2024 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.

Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images

The Thunder are 4.5-point favorites for Saturday’s NBA Cup semifinal.
The Rockets-Thunder over/under is 214.5.
Tipoff is 8:30 p.m. ET at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on ABC.

For the nightcap of Saturday’s NBA Cup semifinal doubleheader in Las Vegas, the Oklahoma City Thunder (19-5) will face off against the Houston Rockets (17-8) at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

The Thunder have been the best team in the Western Conference this year after being the top seed last year. They are favorites to win the NBA Cup and this game, but anything can happen in single-elimination basketball.

Will the Rockets deliver an upset?

Here is a look at the latest Rockets vs. Thunder NBA odds and my best bet ahead of Saturday’s matchup:

Rockets vs. Thunder NBA Odds, Dec. 14

Point spread: Thunder -4.5 (-115)
Moneyline: Rockets +165/Thunder -200
Total: 214.5

Rockets vs. Thunder NBA Cup Prediction – Saturday, Dec. 14

Based on the latest NBA betting lines, my favorite Rockets vs. Thunder NBA Cup prediction is the over on the total (214.5) in a game that should feature more offense than oddsmakers anticipate.

These two teams have already faced off twice, finishing over a higher closing total in both games.

Dec. 1: Rockets 119, Thunder 116 (Over 220)
Nov. 8: Thunder 126, Rockets 107 (Over 221.5)

The Thunder and Rockets are two of the best defensive teams in the league, but this game has plenty of offensive firepower.

Oklahoma City has posted the third-best offensive rating over the last two weeks. The Thunder rank eighth in offensive rating this season, while the Rockets (15th) have promising young talent eager to put on a show this weekend.

Prediction: Over 214.5 (-105)