Houston Rockets vs. OKC Thunder Live Score, Highlights & How to Watch Tonight

NBA Opening Night Preview: Rockets vs Thunder—How to Watch, Key Storylines, Odds & Prediction The 2025-26 NBA season tips off Tuesday night with a marquee Western Conference clash as the Houston Rockets visit the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City (7:30 p.m. ET, NBC regional affiliates, Peacock, FuboTV). Fans searching for “Rockets vs Thunder live stream,” “TV channel,” and “start time” can catch every minute on NBC stations in participating markets or through Peacock’s national simulcast; cord-cutters can also stream via FuboTV with a free trial. Why This Matchup Matters • Opening statement: Both clubs begin fresh campaigns with playoff aspirations after finishing above .500 last year. • Star power: Kevin Durant (Houston) makes his regular-season Rockets debut opposite MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, providing a national spotlight duel. • Youth vs experience: OKC’s core—Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, Chet Holmgren—faces Houston’s veteran-rookie blend of Durant, Fred VanVleet, and rising center Alperen Şengün. How the Teams Stack Up Houston Rockets (2024-25 record: 47-35) – Offense: 114.3 PPG (13th) – Defense: 109.8 PPG allowed (6th) – X-factor: Şengün’s inside-out facilitation stretches Holmgren and OKC’s rim protection. Oklahoma City Thunder (2024-25 record: 49-33) – Offense: 116.1 PPG (8th) – Defense: 111.6 PPG allowed (10th) – X-factor: Holmgren’s spacing drags Durant away from help, testing Houston’s perimeter rotations. Injury Report • Rockets: Tari Eason (ankle) is doubtful; Cam Whitmore upgraded to probable after a knee bruise. • Thunder: Luguentz Dort (hamstring) listed questionable; rookie forward Nikola Topić inactive (G-League assignment). Key Matchups to Watch 1. Kevin Durant vs Chet Holmgren – Durant’s mid-range mastery meets Holmgren’s 7-4 wingspan; whichever wins this chess match could decide tempo. 2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs Amen Thompson – Thompson’s length aims to disrupt SGA’s downhill drives; containing penetration will be Houston’s top priority. 3. Bench battle – OKC’s Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins provide microwave scoring, while Houston counters with Jabari Smith Jr. and rookie K.J. Martin II. Latest Betting Odds & Trends According to BetMGM, the Thunder enter as 7.5-point favorites with a –300 moneyline; the Rockets sit at +240, and the over/under is set at 227.5 points. OKC covered the spread in 11 of its last 14 home games, while Houston hit the over in six of the previous nine meetings. Historical Context The Rockets swept last season’s three-game series behind Durant’s February trade-deadline arrival, winning by an average of 8.7 points. Before that stretch, Oklahoma City had taken five straight. What Each Team Must Do to Win • Rockets: Push pace early, feed Durant in transition mismatches, and limit live-ball turnovers against OKC’s swarming guards. • Thunder: Collapse on Şengün post touches, force Houston into late-clock possessions, and own the offensive glass to create second-chance threes. Expert Prediction Expect opening-night jitters and defensive intensity to drag scoring under the 227.5 total. With Paycom Center rocking and Gilgeous-Alexander fresh off a career year, the Thunder’s continuity should offset Durant’s individual brilliance. Projection: Thunder 112, Rockets 105—OKC covers; under cashes. How to Follow Live • TV: NBC regional (check local listings), Peacock national stream. • Streaming: FuboTV, NBC Sports app (authentication required). • Radio: Rockets 790 AM in Houston, Thunder 98.1 FM in Oklahoma City. • Live stats & highlights: NBA.com and the ESPN NBA Gamecast. Search-Friendly Takeaways Fans looking for “Rockets vs Thunder prediction,” “Rockets vs Thunder odds,” or “Rockets vs Thunder live stream free” now have broadcast info, matchup analysis, and betting insights to prepare for Tuesday’s season opener.