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
José Soriano pitched 6 2/3 strong innings and Logan O'Hoppe hit a pair of two-run shots to end a long home run drought and help the Los Angeles Angels beat the Houston Astros 9-1 on Saturday night.
Soriano (5-5) struck out 10 and allowed one run on three hits and three walks. He has allowed just two runs in his last three starts covering 20 2/3 innings with 28 strikeouts. He hasn't allowed a home run since April 22 — a span of 11 starts.
O’Hoppe hit his 15th homer and first since May 22 in the third inning to give the Angels a 6-0 lead. The catcher capped the scoring with his second of the game in the seventh.
Jo Adell reached with a one-out infield single off Astros rookie Brandon Walter (0-1) in the second and Luis Rengifo followed with his fourth home run for a 2-0 lead.
Nolan Schanuel was hit by a pitch and Mike Trout singled and scored from first on a double by Taylor Ward for a 4-0 lead.
Jose Altuve walked and scored on a two-out single by Christian Walker in the fourth for the Astros, but the Angels answered in their half when Zach Neto doubled with two outs and scored on Schanuel's single for a 7-1 lead.
Walter allowed seven runs on nine hits in six innings in his fourth career start.
Key moment
The Angels never looked back after Rengifo homered in the second.
Key stat
Houston is 3-2 against the Angels this season and leads the overall series 133-85. That includes a 65-45 record at Angel Stadium.
Up next
Astros rookie RHP Ryan Gusto (4-3, 4.31 ERA) will start Sunday's rubber game against Angels RHP Kyle Hendricks (5-6, 4.79).