Cleveland Cavaliers vs Houston Rockets Prediction & Picks - NBA

Prediction published on 12/27/25, 4:30 PM  by Carlos Zabala in NBA Picks

After stringing together consecutive victories, first against the Hornets 139-132 and then against the Pelicans 141-118, the Cavaliers' 124-126 loss at Madison Square Garden against the second-place Knicks in the Western Conference won't be too devastating.

However, nothing can lessen the Cavaliers' frustration at having blown a 17-point lead in New York. Even so, Cleveland's coach didn't dwell too much on the loss, instead highlighting the positive of last year's Defensive Player of the Year, Mobley, who shortened his recovery time from injury and returned to the court on Thursday. Off the bench, he contributed 14 points and 9 rebounds.

That same day, the Rockets, sixth in the Western Conference, defeated the Lakers 119-96. Houston dominated a game that appeared to be a close one in the betting odds beforehand. For the Rockets, Kevin Durant scored 25 points, but it was Amen Thompson who led the six Houston players who reached double digits in the victory, scoring 26 points himself.