The NBA is back in action, and we’re wasting no time hunting for Thunder vs Rockets props and maybe even some Kevin Durant props as well.
There is no shortage of storylines.
We’re talking championship rings, Kevin Durant’s homecoming, and two of the most talented young cores in the league going head-to-head at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
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Thunder vs Rockets Props – Tuesday, October 21
Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM ET on NBC and Peacock, marking the first time the Thunder will raise their championship banner after their incredible run last season.
And who’s standing on the other side? Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets, naturally. Because the NBA knows exactly what it’s doing.
Thunder Preview
The defending champion Thunder opened the 2024-25 season at 66-16, rolled through the playoffs, and took down the Pacers in seven games to capture their first title in franchise history.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander cemented his superstar status, Chet Holmgren became a defensive monster, and both Jalen Williams became critical pieces (yes, there are two of them—Jalen Williams and Jaylin Williams, which never gets confusing).
Oklahoma City is currently sitting at +200 to repeat as champions, which tells you everything about how the league views this team.
They brought back essentially everyone, extended their core players, and added zero drama to the offseason. Just a smooth, professional operation doing smooth, professional things.
Is Jalen Williams on his way to superstardom?
The 6’6″ wing averaged over 20 points last season and was arguably OKC’s second-best player during their championship run.
He was a No. 12 pick a few years ago, and if he takes another leap this season, the Thunder will become even more terrifying.
Rockets Preview
Let’s talk about the elephant—or should I say, the Slim Reaper—in the room. Kevin Durant is back in Oklahoma City for the first time since… well, since forever as a Rocket.
The man who spent his first nine NBA seasons with the Thunder, who left in 2016 after that whole 3-1 thing against Golden State, is now wearing Houston red and playing against his former team on their championship night.
Durant himself basically confirmed what we all knew: the NBA scheduled this on purpose. “They know my history with the team and put OKC vs Houston as the first game and the first on a new broadcaster,” Durant said on Kay Adams’ show. “I don’t know if that’s cool or not, but I know what it is.”
The 37-year-old (yes, he’s still cooking) dropped 20 points on 7-for-10 shooting in just 23 minutes during his preseason debut. His scoring props are sitting around 24.5 points, which feels… low?
This is Kevin Durant returning to the building where he became Kevin Durant. The man’s going to want to make a statement, championship ceremony be damned.
Amen Thompson will have to take another leap for this team.
Editor’s Note: Check out this FREE Kevin Durant pick that Underdog is offering for opening night. Click to sign up now for this awesome promotion.
The athletic specimen out of Overtime Elite is being thrown into the deep end with VanVleet out. Thompson averaged 10.6 points last season in a limited role. Now he’s starting at point guard. His ceiling remains elite, but this is a baptism by fire.
I can’t forget about Alperen Sengun, who is oozing potential after a couple of years of getting his feet wet.
The Turkish big man is Houston’s offensive hub with VanVleet out. He’s one of the best passing centers in the league and will handle significant playmaking duties.
Sengun averaged 18.6 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists last season—that’s 34 combined. The over feels like the move, especially if this game stays competitive.
He reminds me of poor man’s Jokic, which is no slight to him – it’s probably the best poor man’s anyone to be. He’s an all-star player with room to grow.
Thunder vs Rockets Injuries
Here’s where things get dicey for Houston. Fred VanVleet tore his ACL during a team minicamp in the Bahamas back in September and will miss the entire season.
That’s not just a rotation player—that’s your starting point guard, your veteran leader, the guy who controls pace and makes everyone else better.
VanVleet averaged 14.1 points and 5.6 assists last season while helping Houston secure the No. 2 seed in the West.
The Rockets are rolling with Reed Sheppard (the No. 3 pick from 2024 who averaged 4.4 points as a rookie) and Amen Thompson stepping into massive roles. Aaron Holiday gets backup duties. It’s a lot to ask.
This injury shifts the entire dynamic. Without VanVleet, Durant has to carry even more of the offensive load. Alperen Şengün—who made his first All-Star team last season—becomes even more critical as a playmaking hub. The margin for error shrinks considerably.
You would think that at some point, Houston will do something to bolster its backcourt. Until then, there will be more usage to go around, which bodes well for Amen Thompson and Kevin Durant props.
Thunder vs Rockets Props Tonight
You can back pretty much any player you want on Underdog Fantasy, and Kevin Durant props are also available.
Kevin Durant Higher/Lower 24.5 Points
I’m gravitating toward the over here. KD in OKC on opening night? He’s going to get his. The emotional storyline writes itself, and Durant has never been shy about making statements. He looked effortless in the preseason, and this Houston offense needs him to produce with VanVleet out. I don’t mind hitting most Kevin Durant props that pop up. Fire away.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Higher/Lower 31.5 Points
SGA averaged 30.2 points last season and is the engine that makes OKC go. But championship night can be weird. The ceremony eats into warmup time, emotions run high, and sometimes guys start slow. Shai is an absolute bucket, but he performed a lot better when Williams was out of the lineup.
Alperen Sengun Points + Rebounds + Assists Higher/Lower 34.5
The Turkish big man is Houston’s offensive hub with VanVleet out. He’s one of the best passing centers in the league and will handle significant playmaking duties.
Sengun averaged 18.6 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists last season—that’s 34 combined. Higher than 34.5 feels like the move, especially if this game stays competitive, despite OKC’s historically good defense.
Chet Holmgren Higher/Lower 16.5 Points
Holmgren has become a legitimate two-way force. He’s going to be hyped for championship night, and Houston’s frontcourt depth took a hit with all their roster changes. I like him to hit this number.
