In-state rivals are set to clash on Tuesday in Houston. The Spurs (30-13, 2nd in West) look the part of a title contender this season. Now, Victor Wembanyama and company will attempt to take care of business against a fellow contender. That won’t be easy against the Rockets (25-15, 5th in West), one of basketball’s most physical squads.
Which players are poised to surpass, or fall short, of expectations tonight? The Rockets are favored by 4.5 points (-118) over the Spurs, with the over/under set at 220.5 points. Here are two of the top prop bet picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for Tuesday’s San Antonio vs. Houston matchup.
Spurs vs. Rockets prop bet picks
Victor Wembanyama under 23.5 points (-114)
There really isn’t anything Victor Wembanyama can’t do on a basketball court. The 7’4″ phenom has put up mind-boggling numbers over the course of his three-year NBA career. This season, he’s averaging 24.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.6 blocks per game. In addition, he’s shooting a remarkable 40% from three-point range. The only thing that can stop the Frenchman at this point is health. He’s already missed 14 of a potential 43 games for San Antonio.
Wemby’s health issues have forced the Spurs to play it safe with his health; his playing time has been closely monitored since December. Over the center’s previous ten games, he’s reached the 28-minute mark only twice. That’s unlikely to change on the second leg of a back-to-back. Wembanyama been able to produce regardless, but that may not be easy vs. the Rockets. He’s failed to record more than 22 points in four of his last five meetings with Houston. Against one of the NBA’s elite defenses, San Antonio’s leading man might struggle to score.
Clint Capela 10+ points + rebounds (-125)
As previously mentioned, the Rockets wield one of the NBA’s most formidable defensive units. However, they’ll be without one of their anchors tonight in Steven Adams (ankle). To replace the center, it’ll be fellow veteran Clint Capela. The 31-year-old, acquired last summer, hasn’t done much during his second stint with Houston. This season, he’s posted 3.6 points and 4.4 rebounds over just 11.4 minutes per game. Still, those numbers are more a reflection of limited playing time.
There should be more minutes than usual for the Rockets on Tuesday. Against a bigger club such as San Antonio, that likely means more usage for Capela. The 12th-year pro has shown flashes of his old self when given the opportunity. During seven games this season playing without Adams, Capela is averaging 5.1 points and 7.1 rebounds. In four of those outings, the center notched at least ten combined points + boards. Wembanyama, already on a minutes limit, won’t be on the floor forever. With respect to backup Luke Kornet, that makes scoring and rebounding inside much easier. Capela, at such a modest total, is someone to consider tonight.
