SlateLines earns a commission from sportsbook links on this page. 21+ and present in a legal state. Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER.
Cooper Flagg’s second season starts in Houston, and the Rockets went 30-11 at home last year. I’m laying the nine and a half with Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun. Clutch City, let’s go.
The Matchup
- Tonight’s injury report. Dallas is without Dereck Lively II, Santi Aldama and Caleb Martin, and Jett Howard is doubtful. That’s why the line moved a point toward Houston. Steven Adams (calf) is questionable for the Rockets.
- Houston was a 52-win team. The Rockets went 52-30 and outscored teams by 5.2 a night. Kevin Durant averaged 26 points, Alperen Sengun 20.4 points, 8.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists, and Amen Thompson 18.3.
- Dallas is Flagg’s team now. Cooper Flagg averaged 21 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists as a rookie, but the Mavericks went 26-56. Santi Aldama has no timetable, and Dereck Lively has a foot issue.
- Tip-off. 8:30 PM ET at Toyota Center.
The Number
Last season’s scoring margins plus two points for home court make this Houston by almost 13. The board has nine and a half, so there are about three points of daylight on the Rockets.
The honest case against: nine and a half is a lot of points on opening week, and young teams like Dallas can run with anybody for a half. It’s a Game Pick, a lean, and like every pick we post, it lands on the receipts page win or lose. Our first NBA season, so these are leans while we build the record.
Bottom Line
Take the Rockets minus nine and a half at . Lean. A 52-win team at home against a 26-win team. Rockets.
Same-Game Parlay
One read in three legs. If Houston covers, Durant is getting his and Sengun is setting the table. Durant cleared 23.5 in 8 of his last 10, and Sengun had five or more assists in 52 of 72 games. Every leg needs the same game, so this is one position, not three bets.
The angleHouston's stars carry it, Durant scores and Sengun runs the offense.
Build it at FanDuel →FanDuel prices same-game parlays in its own builder, so there is no price here. Build the legs there and check the number before you place it.
Price: check your sportsbook for SGP pricing. Lines as posted Wednesday at 4:56 PM ET, after the Wednesday injury check. This parlay is a Game Pick. Player props not available in all states.
Best Props for This Game
Bets beyond the spread, from either side. The trends come from last season’s games until this season has three in the books. These are Game Pick props, separate bets from our pick, so keep them small.
He averaged 26 a night and finished last season strong.
- TrendCleared 23.5 in 50 of 78 games, 8 of his last 10
- Matchup27 and 34 points in two of his four games against Dallas last season
The offense runs through him.
- TrendCleared 4.5 in 52 of 72 games last season
- Matchup6 and 7 assists in two of his three games against Dallas last season
A low bar for a guard who averaged 13.5.
- TrendCleared 9.5 in 59 of 82 games, 8 of his last 10
- MatchupHouston gets him open looks off Sengun
Dallas needs his scoring with Aldama out.
- TrendCleared 10.5 in 48 of 77 games last season
- Matchup17, 24 and 11 points in three of his four games against Houston last season
21+ · Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER