Houston Rockets vs Brooklyn Nets Picks and Prediction for Thursday January 1 2026

By: Eddie Kline Updated 01/01/2026, 10:30 AM ET

Rockets Preview

The New Year’s Day NBA schedule will get underway with a battle between the Houston Rockets and the Brooklyn Nets from the Barclays Center. For other NBA action see our NBA Predictions. The Rockets (20-10) have won three straight games and hold a half-game lead for fourth place in the Western Conference standings. On Monday, Houston shot a scorching 59 percent from the field during a 126-119 home victory versus Indiana.

All-Star F Kevin Durant tallied a game-high 30 points (13-20 FG), six rebounds, and five assists. Houston F Jabari Smith Jr. contributed 21 points (8-16 FG) and ten rebounds. Amen Thompson added 20 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists for the Rockets.

Nets Preview

The Brooklyn Nets are playing the youngest roster in the NBA and have won six of their previous ten games. The Nets (10-20) rank 18th in the league in defensive efficiency and are giving up 113.9 points per contest. On Monday, Brooklyn was outscored by 11 points during the second half of a 120-107 home loss versus Golden State.

Brooklyn F Michael Porter Jr. matched a game-high with 27 points (5-9 3 PT) and pulled down nine boards. Rookie G Egor Demin nailed half of his 14 three-point attempts and finished with 23 points. Nic Claxton added 15 points and nine rebounds for the Nets, who fell to 4-12 at home.

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Rockets vs Nets Pick

Houston C Alperen Sengun did not suit up for Monday’s victory due to a calf injury and is listed as day-to-day. These two teams rank in the bottom five of the league in tempo and the Nets struggle to score the ball. Look for the Rockets to win a game that stays under the total. Final Score Prediction, Houston Rockets win 114-103. Check out all the sportsbook promos to see if you are getting a great deal on your bets on the Rockets. Make sure you know about how the fans are looking on prediction markets for the Nets with the Kickr promo code. Make sure when you place your bet on Rockets vs Nets you are using the BetMGM bonus code.