Prop Bets: Houston Rockets VS Portland Trail Blazers 2025-07-17
Houston Rockets vs. Portland Trail Blazers NBA Summer League Prediction: A David vs. Goliath Farce (With Fewer Giants)
The Houston Rockets, a team that’s lost their leading scorer and star players (Reed Sheppard, we’re looking at you), are somehow still here, playing the role of "underdog" with the tenacity of a caffeinated squirrel. The Portland Trail Blazers, meanwhile, are leaning on the 62.5% shooting of Rupert, who’s averaging 16.7 points per game—if you ignore the fact that summer league basketball is basically a pick-up game with better lighting.
Key Stat: Houston’s Tyrese Arms is dropping 18.0 PPG, which sounds heroic until you realize summer league all-stars are basically just college kids with a 401(k) of potential.
Odds Breakdown (DraftKings):
- Moneyline: Houston +2.64 (37.9% implied), Portland -1.51 (66.2% implied). Translation: The Rockets are the "fun bet" for those who enjoy watching chaos.
- Spread: Houston +4.5 (-110), Portland -4.5 (-110). A classic "bet the underdog to not lose by 5" proposition, which is basically what summer league is: a 48-minute hope that someone remembers to dribble.
- Total: 186.5 points (Even). Given the "any given Tuesday" nature of summer league, this line is as reliable as a fan predicting the game from their couch.
Player Props to Consider:
- Tyrese Arms O/U 18.5 Points: Take the Over if you believe in destiny (and the NBA’s ability to turn raw stats into gambling fuel).
- Rupert’s Field Goal %: If he stays above 60%, take the Under. If he dips below… well, you’re probably already regretting this bet.
Prediction: The Rockets will once again prove that "resilience" is just a fancy word for "not knowing when to quit." They’ll keep this within 4.5 points, likely on a last-second three by someone whose name starts with "Arms" but ends with "disappointment." Back Houston +4.5 for the sheer joy of watching them defy logic—and maybe throw a few dunks at Portland’s expense.
Final Score Prediction: Houston 92, Portland 91. (Spoiler: The Blazers win 93-92 after a technical free throw for a ref who asked if it was time yet.) 🏀🔥
Created: July 17, 2025, 5:35 p.m. GMT