*These NBA tips and player prop picks are done the previous game day. Adjust selections should spreads and lineups change.
HOUSTON ROCKETS @ OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
TEAM TRENDS
- Thunder: 8 of last 9 season openers have gone UNDER the total.
- Rockets: Lost 7 straight season openers.
- Thunder: Won the 1st half in last 9 games vs Rockets at Paycom Center.
- Rockets: Won the 1st quarter in 8 of last 9 vs Thunder.
- Thunder: Covered the spread in 7 of last 8 home games.
WIN/LOSS
| TEAM | W | L | HOME | ROAD |
| HOU | 0 | 0 | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| OKC | 0 | 0 | 0-0 | 0-0 |
SEASON POINTS +/-
| TEAM | PPG | OPPG | DIFF | TOT.AV. |
| HOU | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| OKC | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
PICKS ATS
| SPREAD | POINTS | RESULT |
| HOU | UNDER | OKC |
| +7.5 | 226.5 | 125-124 (2OT) |
The 2025–26 NBA season tips off Tuesday night at Paycom Center, where the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder will host the Rockets. Oklahoma City brings back nearly the same roster that captured last year’s title, while Houston enters the new campaign with a dramatically reshaped squad. The Rockets made one of the offseason’s biggest moves by acquiring Kevin Durant in a blockbuster deal that sent Jalen Green to Phoenix. However, a torn ACL for Fred VanVleet has left Houston’s backcourt in flux and could prompt more roster adjustments.
These teams met five times last season, with the Thunder taking the series 3–2 — including both matchups at home. Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dominated throughout, averaging 33.2 points per game across those contests. Oklahoma City will be without Jalen Williams for the opener as he continues to recover from wrist surgery.
PICK – UNDER 226.5 TOTAL POINTS
–
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS @ LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
TEAM TRENDS
- Warriors: Last 10 games vs Pacific Division opponents have gone OVER the total.
- Lakers: Lost 5 straight season openers vs Pacific Division opponents.
- Warriors: Lost the 1st quarter in 7 of last 8 road openers.
- Lakers: Failed to cover the spread in 7 of last 8 season openers.
WIN/LOSS
| TEAM | W | L | HOME | ROAD |
| GSW | 0 | 0 | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| LAL | 0 | 0 | 0-0 | 0-0 |
SEASON POINTS +/-
| TEAM | PPG | OPPG | DIFF | TOT.AV. |
| GSW | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| LAL | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
PICKS ATS
| SPREAD | POINTS | RESULT |
| GSW | OVER | GSW |
| -2.5 | 224.5 | 119-109 |
The season opens at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday night, where the Lakers host the Warriors. In a rare sight, LeBron James will miss a season opener for the first time in his illustrious career, sidelined by right-side sciatica that’s expected to keep the 40-year-old out for several weeks. His absence puts added pressure on Luka Doncic, who begins his first full season in Los Angeles and will be counted on to shoulder much of the offensive load. The Lakers also welcome Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart as key offseason additions.
Golden State, meanwhile, enters with injury concerns of its own. Jimmy Butler is nursing an ankle issue but is listed as probable for the opener. The Lakers won last season’s head-to-head series 3–1, with the Warriors’ lone win coming on this floor. James was instrumental in that series, averaging 32.8 points and 9.8 assists per game.
PICK – GOLDEN STATE -2.5
–
