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The San Antonio Spurs vs Houston Rockets matchup is one of the seven NBA preseason games scheduled for Thursday. This will be both teams’ final preseason game, thus, expect players to get extended minutes as the coaching staff finalizes lineups for opening day.
The Spurs are 2-2 in the preseason, while the Rockets are 2-1. San Antonio starts its regular season at the Dallas Mavericks on Oct. 24. Houston hosts the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday to start the season.
The two Western Conference teams have faced each other 217 times in the regular season, with San Antonio holding a 118-97 lead. The two teams met four times last season, as Houston took the series 3-1.
San Antonio Spurs vs Houston Rockets game details and odds
The San Antonio Spurs vs Houston Rockets game is scheduled for 8 p.m. EDT on Thursday, Oct. 17, at Toyota Center. The game will be broadcast locally on Space City Home Network and CW35. It can also be streamed live on NBA League Pass and FuboTV.
Moneyline: Spurs (+185) vs. Rockets (-225)
Spread: Spurs (+5.5) vs. Rockets (-5.5)
Total (O/U): Spurs -110 (o222) vs. Rockets -110 (u222)
Editor's note: The odds could change close to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.
San Antonio Spurs vs Houston Rockets preview
The Spurs are coming off of a 120-117 loss to the Miami Heat on Tuesday. Jeremy Sochan led the team in scoring with 18 points. He also had 11 rebounds. Offseason acquisition Chris Paul had 13 points, while Victor Wembanyama had eight points and seven rebounds. Expect coach Gregg Popovich to give Paul and Wemby more minutes together on Thursday.
The Rockets defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 118-98 on Tuesday. Jalen Green led the winning charge with 19 points. Dillon Brooks and Alperen Sengun had 13 and 12 points, respectively. After finishing 11th in the West last season, expect Houston to be a far better team this season.
San Antonio Spurs vs Houston Rockets predicted starting lineups
The Spurs will be without Devin Vassell (foot injury) and David Duke Jr. (undisclosed injury). Spurs coach Gregg Popovich should start:
PG: Chris Paul SG: Julian Champagnie SF: Harrison Barnes PF: Jeremy Sochan C: Victor Wembanyama
The Rockets plan to rest Jock Landale for the final preseason game. Houston coach Ime Udoka should start:
PG: Fred VanVleet SG: Jalen Green SF: Dillon Brooks PF: Jabari Smith Jr. C: Alperen Sengun
Editor's note: These are the predicted lineups and could change based on the availability of players.
San Antonio Spurs vs Houston Rockets prediction
The oddsmakers favor the Rockets to win the game at home. Houston has the better squad on paper and is healthier than San Antonio. Expect the home team to cover the spread for a win. This should be a close contest with the team total staying under 222 points.
