Houston Rockets vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction: Moneyline, Props & SGP (Dec 27)
Calendar icon Published 26 Dec 14:26

Houston Rockets vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction: Moneyline, Props & SGP (Dec 27)

Alexander Yaremenko Alexander Yaremenko
Moneyline PickHouston Rockets
Player PropKevin Durant Over 23.5 Points
Same Game Parlay (Bet Builder)Rockets ML + Alperen Sengun 9+ Rebounds + Steven Adams 6+ Rebounds
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Houston Rockets vs Cleveland Cavaliers Main Match Info

Houston Rockets vs Cleveland Cavaliers Moneyline Prediction

Cleveland have the “Twin Towers” in Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, but Houston’s Alperen Sengun has evolved into a playmaking hub that pulls these traditional bigs out of the paint. 

Sengun is averaging 6.8 assists per game, and in a November victory over Cleveland, he recorded 28 points and seven assists.

By forcing Allen to defend at the perimeter or in high-screen actions, the Rockets open up driving lanes for their wings.

Furthermore, the Rockets now have a late-game option in Kevin Durant. In tight games, having a 7-foot sniper who can get a bucket over anyone is the trump card. 

Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell is a phenomenal clutch performer, but Durant’s height and efficiency give Houston a slight edge in a late-game shootout.

Houston Rockets vs Cleveland Cavaliers Player Prop

The Cavaliers, despite their solid defence, sometimes struggle to defend elite scoring forwards who can shoot over their heads.

Although Mobley is a versatile defender, Durant makes even the best defensive schemes ineffective.

He is averaging 25.2 points per game this season, demonstrating that his mid-range jumper remains the most unguardable weapon in the league. 

Durant’s efficiency this season at age 37 is legendary. He’s shooting over 50% from the field and 42.9% from beyond the arc. With Fred VanVleet injured, the Rockets have relied more on Durant for consistent scoring in the half-court.

Cleveland’s defensive scheme often prioritizes protecting the rim, which occasionally leaves mid-range maestros like KD to operate in his favourite spots on the floor.

Houston Rockets vs Cleveland Cavaliers Same Game Parlay

Rockets ML: As discussed, the combination of home-court advantage and the Durant factor makes Houston the most likely winner.

Alperen Sengun 9+ Rebounds: Sengun is currently averaging 9.3 rebounds per game, but that number jumps to 10.6 at home. When Houston successfully forces Cleveland into missed perimeter shots, Sengun is the primary beneficiary of those defensive rebounds. 

Steven Adams 6+ Rebounds: Steven Adams is the “box-out king.” Adams is currently averaging 8.6 rebounds per game this season in limited minutes off the bench (21.6 minutes per game). 

He specializes in countering strong frontcourts like Cleveland’s.

Since the Cavs play with both Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, expect Ime Udoka to give Adams the minutes to run to match their physicality. Even in just 15-18 minutes of action, Adams’ league-leading offensive rebounding rate makes 6+ rebounds a very achievable target.

Houston Rockets vs Cleveland Cavaliers Team News

Houston Rockets Team News

The biggest story in H-Town is the health of their centre, Alperen Sengun. After a brief scare with a calf strain around Christmas, Sengun has been cleared to play and looked sharp. His presence is crucial as he acts as the main playmaker in Ime Udoka’s system.

The Rockets are also benefiting from the return of Dorian Finney-Smith, who provides the “3-and-D” presence they desperately needed. He made his 2025-26 season debut on December 25th after recovering from offseason ankle surgery.

However, they will still be without Fred VanVleet, who is sidelined with a long-term knee injury. 

In his absence, Amen Thompson has stepped up as the starting point guard, showing incredible defensive versatility and transition play. The team’s recent performance has been inconsistent, but their victory against Lakers 119-96 demonstrated that they can tighten their defense when it matters most.

Cleveland Cavaliers Team News

Larry Nance Jr. (right calf strain) is currently out and remains week-to-week, with an initial timeline of 3-4 weeks for recovery, which began in late November. Max Strus (left foot surgery) is also out indefinitely.

Donovan Mitchell is performing at an All-NBA level, while Evan Mobley has improved his offensive aggression. The offseason acquisition of De’Andre Hunter has provided the team with a dependable wing defender who also has the ability to stretch the floor.

One player to watch is Lonzo Ball, who has successfully integrated into the rotation and provides elite secondary playmaking. 

The Cavs’ recent loss to the Knicks, 124-126, served as a wake-up call, as they struggled to contain the Knicks’ speed in transition. Recently, Cleveland has struggled to defend elite scoring wings, a vulnerability the Rockets will likely exploit.

Houston Rockets vs Cleveland Cavaliers: Where to Watch (Canada) 

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