Houston Rockets vs San Antonio Spurs Picks and Predictions for Friday October 23 2026
Victor Wembanyama could make Friday a long night for Houston. The Rockets have some size, but dealing with a guy who can block six shots while having a lousy shooting night is another matter. That’s what Wembanyama did Tuesday against Oklahoma City. Six blocks, 13 rebounds and just 12 points. The Spurs lost 116-104, and their offense was a mess for much of the first half. Houston would be foolish to expect another quiet scoring night from him.
Then again, the Rockets have a few things San Antonio needs to worry about. They hammered Dallas 128-110 Wednesday, and the final score was kinder to the Mavericks than the game itself. Houston led by 32 at halftime and got the margin up to 37. Dallas was beaten before it had much chance to settle in.
Houston visits San Antonio on Friday, October 23, 2026, with the game being played at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. Tipoff is at 9:30 PM ET on Prime Video. The Spurs are favored by 7.5 points, with the total at 225.5. San Antonio is around -266 on the moneyline and Houston is +217. More games are available in our free NBA picks.
Houston Rockets Have Plenty Of Ways To Score
Houston is 1-0 after beating Dallas by 18. The Rockets shot 53.4% from the field and 44.4% from three, although Dallas didn’t make them work particularly hard for a lot of those baskets. The Mavericks kept losing the ball, and Houston was off the other way. It got ugly pretty quickly. By the time Dallas started playing better, there wasn’t much left to save.
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The Rockets scored 32 points off 21 turnovers and picked up another 29 on the fast break. I wouldn’t count on San Antonio being that careless. The Spurs have Wembanyama waiting inside, too, which means Houston won’t have the same freedom around the basket. But the Rockets aren’t entirely dependent on running. They’ve got enough scorers to work through a defense when the easy chances aren’t there.
Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr. each scored 30 against Dallas. Alperen Sengun finished with 23 points, ten rebounds and five assists, and Fred VanVleet handed out 11 assists in his return. Houston has some decisions to make if Steven Adams isn’t available. He’s been listed with a rest designation, and his size would be useful against Wembanyama. That’s one status worth checking before the game.
San Antonio Spurs Need More From Their Offense
San Antonio is 0-1 after losing 116-104 to Oklahoma City. The Spurs shot 29.2% in the first half and trailed by 21 at the break. They played better afterward, but the Thunder had already built themselves a comfortable lead. A bad half against Oklahoma City isn’t the end of the world. Still, San Antonio can’t keep putting itself in that position.
I’d expect the Spurs to get the ball inside more often Friday. Houston forced 21 turnovers against Dallas, and San Antonio doesn’t want to give the Rockets another evening of easy baskets. The Spurs have an advantage around the rim. They ought to use it. Make Houston defend, work through the possessions, and don’t turn every missed shot into a footrace the other way.
Stephon Castle scored 24 against Oklahoma City. Wembanyama had his 12 points, 13 rebounds and six blocks, but missed his first seven shots. He’ll want a better offensive showing. De’Aaron Fox gives San Antonio another way to create points, particularly when the half-court offense stalls. Tobias Harris has been dealing with a calf injury, while Jayden Quaintance is out with a knee problem. There’s enough talent here to beat Houston. I just want to see the Spurs play a more complete game.
Houston Rockets vs San Antonio Spurs Picks and Predictions
Houston Rockets +7.5 (-114)
I lean toward San Antonio winning, but seven and a half points is more than I want to give. Wembanyama is a real problem for Houston, especially if Adams sits. He could control the paint and make the Rockets work for everything inside. But Durant, Smith and Sengun just combined for 83 points, and Houston has enough experienced scorers to survive a few rough stretches. San Antonio struggled to get its offense moving against Oklahoma City. Maybe that was simply the opponent. Either way, I don’t see much value in asking the Spurs to win by eight. I’ll take Houston and the points.
Over 225.5 Points (-110)
The total is a tougher call. Houston put up 128 against Dallas, but I wouldn’t expect another night of shooting 44.4% from three. San Antonio should make things harder defensively, and the Spurs may try to slow the pace. That’s the case for the under. What pushes me the other way is San Antonio’s offense. Wembanyama scored only 12 Tuesday, and I expect him to get better looks Friday. Houston has enough scoring to reach the 110s without another shooting exhibition. If the Spurs get their offense going, this should clear 225.5. I’ll go with San Antonio 119, Houston 115.
Final Picks: Houston Rockets +7.5 (-114) and Over 225.5 Points (-110)
This preview was completed October 22, 2026. Betting lines, injuries, and starting lineups may change before tipoff.
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