Houston Rockets vs. San Antonio Spurs: Prediction, odds and more for 2023-24 NBA preseason

The Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs will continue pre-season preparations when they face off for the second time. Both franchises are currently rebuilding their rosters. Both franchises have some exciting young talent. However, Victor Wembanyama is clearly the best prospect on either team.

Houston has won their first three preseason games, including their October 16 victory over the Spurs. Ime Udoka is implementing a new style of play. The Rockets already look to be a stronger defensive unit. Fred VanVleet and Jalen Green will ensure the offense continues to improve in the coming months.

The Spurs have lost two of their first three preseason contests. Gregg Popovich won't be placing much stock into these early performances. However, evening up their preseason record to 2-2 for confidence purposes would be favorable. Still, San Antonio is in player development mode, and with that comes some offensive and defensive struggles.

Houston Rockets vs. San Antonio Spurs: Prediction

The Houston Rockets should be slight favorites heading into the October 18 game against San Antonio. Houston added some veteran talent to their roster this summer. Ime Udoka clearly wants to expedite the team's rebuild and challenge for a playoff place.

Popovich will be taking things slower. Wembanyama will need time to adapt to the physicality of the NBA. Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell can't win games on their own.

Houston and San Antonio will see each other multiple times in the coming season. Both teams are capable of defeating each other. However, at this early juncture of the basketball year, these games are more about gathering data than stacking wins.

The Rocket's additional veteran talent and their experienced young stars should ensure they are the favorite for their October 18 game. Still, Wembanyama is an X-Factor. If the rookie big man plays, he could swing the flow of the game.

Houston Rockets Roster

Jeff Green
Reggie Bullock
Boban Marjanovic
Nate Hinton
Jeenathan Williams
Matthew Mayer
Jermaine Samuels (TW)
Aaron Holiday
Dillon Brooks
Fred VanVleet
Jock Landale
Jalen Green
Amen Thompson
Cam Whitmore
Darius Days (TW)
Trevor Hudgins (TW)
Jae'Sean Tate
Jabari Smith Jr.
Tari Eason
Alperen Sengun
Victor Oladipo
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl

San Antonio Spurs roster

Keldon Johnson
Charles Bediako
Dominick Barlow (TW)
Sidy Cissoko
Sandro Mamukelashvili
Tre Jones
Julian Champagnie
Sir'Jabari Rice (TW)
Victor Wembanyama
Charles Bassey
Cedi Osman
Malaki Branham
Jeremy Sochan
Blake Wesley
Zach Collins
Doug McDermott
Khem Birch
Devonte' Graham
Devin Vassell

Houston Rockets vs. San Antonio Spurs: Where to watch

You can watch the preseason contest between the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs on CW35, Space City Home Network, NBA League Pass, and FUBO.

The game will take place at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, with tip-off scheduled for 8 PM ET.

Houston Rockets vs. San Antonio Spurs Odds

Moneyline: Houston Rockets (-122,) San Antonio Spurs (+100)

Spread: Houston Rockets (-1.5,) San Antonio Spurs (+1.5)

Over 221.5 points (-113,) Under 221.5 points (-113)