Thunder vs. Rockets prediction: NBA Thursday odds, picks, bets

Betting on NBA point spreads is considered particularly challenging, sometimes humorously referred to as "Nothing But Aggravation." The article suggests that sometimes success can come from analyzing the schedule more than the specific matchup.

The upcoming game features the Houston Rockets hosting the Oklahoma City Thunder as 4.5-point underdogs, with an over/under total set at 222.5 points. The Rockets recently ended a three-game losing streak with a narrow win over a depleted Chicago Bulls team. Despite being favored in their last four games, Houston has failed to cover the spread in its past six consecutive games, marking its worst such stretch of the season. A key factor in this slump has been poor three-point shooting, going 51-for-212 (24%) over those six games, which is surprising for a team with players like Kevin Durant and Reed Sheppard. The team is also dealing with injuries and may be entering a midseason lull.

In contrast, the Oklahoma City Thunder have won four straight games, breaking out of a 6-6 stretch. Their most recent victory was a 21-point win over the San Antonio Spurs, a significant hurdle as they had lost the three previous meetings with San Antonio.

The analysis concludes that the Thunder are well-positioned to continue their winning streak. While the Rockets may have an advantage in rebounding, the Thunder possess superior depth and shooting. The author, Doug Kezirian, with a documented against-the-spread (ATS) record of 88-77-2 in the Post's sports section, recommends betting on the Thunder to cover the -4.5 point spread.

The article includes a brief biography of Doug Kezirian, noting his over two decades of experience in sports betting, including 11 years at ESPN, and highlights several of his notable betting contest successes and wins.

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