Venue & Timing
Location: Toyota Center, Houston, TX
Tipoff: 5:00 PM CT
Context: NBA Cup Group Play matchup
Injury Report
Portland Trail Blazers:
Damian Lillard: Out (season-long absence).
Scoot Henderson: Out (ankle).
Matisse Thybulle: Out (knee).
Blake Wesley: Out (hamstring).
Houston Rockets:
Kevin Durant: Healthy, averaging 23 PPG in limited minutes.
Alperen Şengün: Healthy, averaging 22 PPG, 10 RPG, 7 APG.
Amen Thompson: Healthy, averaging 18 PPG.
Key Player Matchups
Shaedon Sharpe vs. Kevin Durant: Sharpe scored 35 points on 72% shooting in Portland’s last win. He’ll need another explosive performance to counter Durant’s veteran scoring.
Alperen Şengün vs. Portland Frontcourt: Şengün’s playmaking from the post has been elite, averaging nearly a triple-double. Portland’s interior defense will be tested.
Amen Thompson vs. Portland Guards: Thompson’s athleticism and defensive versatility could disrupt Portland’s perimeter rhythm.
Team Recent Form
Portland Trail Blazers:
Last Game: Defeated New Orleans 125–117.
Offense: 121.0 PPG (7th NBA), 45.7% FG, 33.4% 3PT.
Defense: Allowing 119.1 PPG (22nd NBA), opponents shooting 48.6%.
Recent Form: 2–3 in last five, inconsistent but competitive.
Houston Rockets:
Last Game: Defeated Washington 123–110.
Offense: 125 points per 100 possessions (1st NBA).
Defense: Top-8 in efficiency, allowing 112.5 PPG.
Recent Form: 4–1 in last five, currently on a two-game win streak.
Series History
2024–25 Season: Rockets lead series 2–1.
Trend: Houston has won 4 of last 6 meetings, often dominating at home.
Betting Trends
Rockets: 7–3 ATS, covering in 4 of last 5 wins.
Blazers: 5–6 ATS, struggling against elite offenses.
Totals: Portland games trending Over (8 of 11 above 230 points).
Summary: The Rockets are surging with the league’s best offense and balanced roster, while Portland is shorthanded but scrappy. Expect a high-scoring contest, but Houston’s depth and home-court edge make them strong favorites.
Prediction: Rockets 122–111
Game Odds
Portland Trail Blazers 237
Houston Rockets – 8
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, November 13, 2025
