ROCKETS VS. SPURS
How Houston Rockets can turn up the heat against slumping Spurs
Feb 26, 2025, 2:21 pm
The Rockets host the Spurs Wednesday night. Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images.
The Houston Rockets (36-22) host the San Antonio Spurs (24-32) on Wednesday night, aiming to strengthen their playoff position while the Spurs try to snap a three-game losing streak.
Houston has thrived against Western Conference opponents, boasting a 21-14 record. The Rockets lead the West in rebounding, averaging 48.0 boards per game, with Alperen Sengun controlling the glass at 10.5 rebounds per contest. Despite missing Fred VanVleet (ankle), Houston will lean on Sengun and Jalen Green, who has been on a scoring tear, averaging 22.0 points over the last 10 games.
San Antonio has struggled within the division, going just 2-9 against Southwest foes. The Spurs, however, rank fourth in the West in assists per game (28.9), with veteran Chris Paul orchestrating the offense at 8.1 assists per night. The loss of Victor Wembanyama for the season (illness) is a major blow, leaving San Antonio without their top scorer and defensive anchor.
The Rockets enter as 9.5-point favorites and will look to exploit San Antonio’s defensive struggles. Houston’s 3-point shooting (12.2 makes per game) could be a key factor against a Spurs team that allows 13.6 threes per contest.
Houston has gone 4-6 in its last 10 games, while San Antonio is 3-7 over that span, surrendering 117.6 points per game. With Wembanyama sidelined, the Rockets have a prime opportunity to extend their home success and add to San Antonio’s struggles.
Betting Line: Rockets -9.5 | Over/Under: 226.5
Tip-off: Wednesday, 9:30 p.m. EST | Location: Houston
*ChatGPT assisted with the content.
Most Popular
SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome
Listen Live
L.J. Cryer scored 20 points and No. 4 Houston clinched the outright Big 12 regular-season title for a second straight season with a 73-64 win over Cincinnati on Saturday.
Terrance Arceneaux added 10 points for Houston (25-4, 17-1 Big 12), which has won eight straight. The Cougars became the first team to win the regular-season championship in its first two years in a major conference since Idaho, which won the PCC in the 1921-22 and 1922-23 seasons. Houston joined the Big 12 in 2023.
The Cougars, who have won 12 straight over Cincinnati, shot 54% and owned a 17-9 advantage in points off turnovers.
Day Day Thomas scored 19 points and Jizzle James added 18 for Cincinnati (17-12, 7-11). The Bearcats shot 44% and were 6 of 20 on 3-pointers.
Takeaways
Cincinnati: The Bearcats missed a chance to improve their resume for a possible NCAA Tournament berth. Cincinnati fell to 1-10 in Quad 1 games this season.
Houston: The Cougars continue to help their cause for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament with their 21st win in 22 games. Houston improved to 15-4 in Quad 1 and 2 games this season, with all of its losses coming in Quad 1 games.
Key moment
Trailing 10-2 with 13½ minutes left in the first half, Houston coach Kelvin Sampson called timeout, and Cryer hit a jumper out of it to start a 18-2 run. Houston led 37-25 at the half.
Key stat
Houston dominated the paint with a 40-24 advantage in points in the paint.
Up next
Houston hosts Kansas on Monday, and Cincinnati hosts Kansas State on Wednesday.