Thunder vs Rockets NBA Preseason Prediction and Preview, Oct 15

The Thunder and Rockets meet in a preseason game on Thursday, October 15, at 8:30 PM ET in Houston.

• Price: Thunder 63¢, Rockets 37¢ (Polymarket, as of Thu 8:23 AM ET)

• Kalshi: Thunder 61¢, Rockets 39¢

• Live price and every move: NBA WIRE

What the price says

The market makes the Thunder the favorite at 63¢; the Rockets are 37¢. Kalshi has the Thunder 2¢ cheaper at 61¢. NBA MARKET keeps both apps side by side.

The Thunder opened at 52¢, so the price has moved 11¢ toward them since.

Who will play, and for how long

Expect the regulars for a stint in each half at most. Late minutes go to rookies and camp invites, so the final score says little about either team.

Availability

As of Thu 8:23 AM ET. These can change right up to tip; in preseason, teams often rest healthy players without listing them.

• Kevin Durant (Rockets): Day-To-Day, not injury related, expected back Oct 15

• Alperen Sengun (Rockets): Day-To-Day, rest, expected back Oct 15

• Jaylin Williams (Thunder): Day-To-Day, heel, expected back Oct 15

• Chet Holmgren (Thunder): Day-To-Day, quadriceps, expected back Oct 15

• Ajay Mitchell (Thunder): Day-To-Day, rest, expected back Oct 15

• Steven Adams (Rockets): Day-To-Day, rest, expected back Oct 15

• Otega Oweh (Thunder): Out, right achilles, expected back Jul 1

• Thomas Sorber (Thunder): Day-To-Day, right knee, expected back Oct 15

• Nikola Topic (Thunder): Day-To-Day, not specified back, expected back Oct 15

• Fred VanVleet (Rockets): Day-To-Day, rest, expected back Oct 15

The rotations, by last season’s numbers

These are 2025-26 numbers on current rosters: a guide to who the regulars are, not to tonight’s minutes.

Thunder

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 33.2 min, 33.3% usage, 31.1 pts, 4.3 reb, 6.6 ast

• Jalen Williams: 28.4 min, 26.1% usage, 17.1 pts, 4.6 reb, 5.5 ast

• Chet Holmgren: 28.9 min, 21.9% usage, 17.1 pts, 8.9 reb, 1.7 ast

• Ajay Mitchell: 25.8 min, 21.8% usage, 13.6 pts, 3.3 reb, 3.6 ast

• Cason Wallace: 26.6 min, 14.5% usage, 8.6 pts, 3.1 reb, 2.6 ast

Rockets

• Kevin Durant: 36.4 min, 27.0% usage, 26.0 pts, 5.4 reb, 4.8 ast

• Amen Thompson: 37.4 min, 20.0% usage, 18.3 pts, 7.8 reb, 5.3 ast

• Alperen Sengun: 33.3 min, 26.6% usage, 20.4 pts, 8.9 reb, 6.2 ast

• Jabari Smith Jr.: 35.1 min, 18.2% usage, 15.8 pts, 6.9 reb, 1.9 ast

• Marcus Smart: 28.5 min, 15.4% usage, 9.3 pts, 2.8 reb, 3.0 ast (new, was LAL)

FAQ

Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander playing tonight?

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was not on the injury report as of Thu 8:23 AM ET.

Is Kevin Durant playing tonight?

Kevin Durant is listed as day-to-day (not injury related) as of Thu 8:23 AM ET.

Who is favored in Thunder vs Rockets? The Thunder, by 26¢ on Polymarket. NBA MARKET shows whether Kalshi has either side cheaper.

When and where is Thunder vs Rockets?

Thursday, October 15, at 8:30 PM ET, in Houston.

For tonight’s other games, see NBA predictions; today’s board covers every sport.

Good luck!

Kalshi gives new traders $25 when you trade $25, code SKILL. Claim it here.

Underdog: play $5, get $100, code SKILL. Claim it here.

Polymarket gives new users $25 on a $10 deposit, code SKILL. Claim it here.