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Rockets vs. Nets prediction: Houston to win, Kevin Durant projected for big game in Thursday's NBA matchup [1/1/2026]
Updated: | First published:
Written by Ryan Leaver, Senior Sports and Betting Editor
Get Houston Rockets vs Brooklyn Nets predictions for NBA Thursday.
The Brooklyn Nets and Houston Rockets will lock horns in NBA action at Barclays Center on New Year's Day, with tipoff at 6:00 PM ET.
Based on the latest simulation results and today’s injury updates, Dimers' proven NBA model predicts the Rockets as the most likely winner of the Rockets vs. Nets game.
This prediction follows the latest NBA Injury Report, which suggests the Nets lineup will feature players like Michael Porter, Cam Thomas and Noah Clowney, while the Rockets will look to Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson.
This article offers further insights into Thursday's matchup, including an expanded look at the predicted score, best bets and player prop picks.
Rockets vs. Nets prediction: Who will win and cover?
Using innovative machine learning and data, we have simulated the outcome of Thursday's NBA matchup between the Rockets and Nets 10,000 times as part of our NBA predictions coverage.
Our famous predictive model gives the Rockets an 80% chance of beating the Nets. Our predicted final score has the Rockets winning 114-104.
According to our model, the Nets (+11.5) have a 56% chance of covering the spread, while the 219.5-point over/under has an equal 50-50 chance of hitting.
Rockets vs. Nets odds
We have sourced the best NBA odds in America for this game, which are listed here:
| Bet Type | Rockets | Nets |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | -11.5 (-110) | +11.5 (-110) |
| Moneyline | -510 | +400 |
| Total | o219.5 (-110) | u219.5 (-110) |
All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Rockets vs. Nets picks and best bet
After matching our predictions against the best available odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:
| Bet Type | Pick | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Nets +11.5 | -110 |
| Moneyline | Nets | +400 |
| Total | Over 219.5 | -110 |
According to our NBA best bets, the top play to make on this game is Nets +11.5 at the spread.
Rockets vs. Nets player props
Betting on Rockets vs. Nets NBA player props? We have crunched the numbers to project how each team's leading players will perform at Barclays Center.
Kevin Durant is expected to lead the Rockets with 27 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists, while Michael Porter is projected to have 23 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists for the Nets.
Check out our NBA player projections for a full range of projected box scores, including points, assists, rebounds and today's NBA first basket picks.
Rockets prediction
Our model's projected player stats for the Rockets are:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kevin Durant | 27 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 46 |
| Alperen Sengun | 21 | 9 | 5 | 1 | 47 |
| Amen Thompson | 18 | 8 | 5 | 0 | 41 |
| Jabari Smith | 15 | 7 | 2 | 2 | 32 |
| Reed Sheppard | 12 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 30 |
Nets prediction
Projected points, rebounds, assists and three-pointers made for the Nets:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Porter | 23 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 41 |
| Cam Thomas | 16 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 26 |
| Noah Clowney | 13 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 27 |
| Nic Claxton | 12 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 32 |
| Danny Wolf | 8 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 18 |
Rockets vs. Nets game-day updates and essential details
Thursday's game between the Nets and Rockets at Barclays Center is scheduled to start at 6:00 PM ET.
- Who: Houston Rockets vs. Brooklyn Nets
- Date: Thursday, January 1, 2026
- Time: 6:00 PM ET/3:00PM PT
- Venue: Barclays Center
Conclusion
We predict the Rockets, with an 80% win probability, will likely beat the Nets on New Year's Day, with Alperen Sengun projected for a game-high 47 fantasy points.
AI and automation have enhanced this article to quickly deliver accurate Rockets vs. Nets insights, with human oversight ensuring high editorial quality. Our predictions are drawn from up-to-date data to help you make informed decisions. For additional resources and advice on responsible gambling, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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Ryan Leaver uses advanced statistical models and simulations to predict outcomes and provide predictions for the NBA, NFL, college football, college basketball, and soccer. He offers detailed game previews, best bets, props, and futures articles.
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