Monday, October 27, the Rockets (0-2) go for redemption at home against the Brooklyn Nets (0-3).

When: Monday, October 27 @ 7PM CT

Where: Toyota Center, Houston, TX

Where to watch:

Space City Home Network (local)

Fubo (with subscription)

NBA League Pass (with subscription)

Subject to local blackouts

Houston is expected to dominate- the projected FanDuel spread as of now (pre-tipoff) sits at -16.5 favoring the Rockets. The moneyline favors Houston at -1500 and the Nets odds of winning are +870, with a current over/under of 225.5. 

Odds are subject to change.

Brooklyn lost 118-107 to the San Antonio Spurs on the road on Sunday. The Nets relied heavily on fourth-year Spur guard Cam Thomas to carry the offense, putting up 40 points. They’ll need to adjust against Houston, who have multiple scoring options between Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun, and Jabari Smith Jr. The Rockets capitalize on their height to overpower smaller teams- and at just 6’3”, Thomas will face pressure on nearly every possession. 

Even coming off of two losses, Houston’s defense remains one of the best in the league at winning rebounds and forcing turnovers, while Brooklyn ranks near the bottom in efficiency. On defense, the Nets have been relying on their tallest man, Nic Claxton to protect the rim and grab boards, but with four Rockets starters over 6’10”, he won’t be able to handle it on his own- forcing the Nets’ coaching staff to pivot.

On Saturday, the Rockets  fell to the Detroit Pistons 115-111, as they struggled  against Detroit’s bullying defense in the paint. The score only stayed close because Houston adjusted to drawing fouls, scoring a third of their points at the free throw line. But with so many whistles- seemingly every other possession- that the Rockets lost rhythm and shot at just 38.6-percent from the field.

There are several factors contributing to the large spread. For one, Brooklyn will be up against player fatigue, having played the Spurs 24 hours before in San Antonio and traveling to Houston overnight. On top of that, the Rockets are under serious pressure tonight- a team that just signed Durant going 0-3 would be disastrous for their confidence and momentum.

Houston needs more than just a win- they need to re-establish rhythm. After back-to-back gut-punch losses, a victory at home would restore confidence in coach Udoka’s new system and reassert that the young core is worth more than just hype. This game could allow the Rockets to start fresh from home and reset the tone for the season. 

Houston’s size, rest advantage, and urgency should be too much for Brooklyn’s thin rotation. If the Rockets can find rhythm from the field and stay consistent for four quarters, this one shouldn’t be close.