Rockets' offensive glass meets Spurs' top defensive rebounding

The Houston Rockets (52-30 last season), the league's best offensive rebounding team, visit the San Antonio Spurs (62-20), the best defensive rebounding team, at 9:30 PM ET on Friday, October 23.

All figures are from last season, with this season's rosters. The Rockets grabbed 34.8% of their own misses, first in the league, and they need those extra possessions. They shot 54.2% effective from the field, 18th, and played at the 29th-fastest pace.

The Spurs cleaned up 77.3% of opponents' misses, also first, so most Houston misses end in San Antonio hands. They also allowed the fewest free throws per shot attempt, a rate of 0.228. Houston, 18th at 0.26, has little to lean on if the offensive glass is shut.

Victor Wembanyama anchors that defense. He averaged 25 points, 11.5 rebounds and 3.1 blocks in 64 games, and Stephon Castle added 7.4 assists a game.

For Houston, Kevin Durant averaged 26 points on 52% shooting in 78 games. Alperen Sengun had 8.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists, making him the Rockets' main rebounder and a passer in one.

San Antonio has the bigger injury list. De'Aaron Fox, who played 31 minutes a game, is questionable. Tobias Harris is out, with an expected return of Saturday, October 24, and Jayden Quaintance is out until Thursday, December 3.

Houston lists Reed Sheppard and Steven Adams as questionable. Adams, a center who played 20.9 minutes a game, bears most on the rebounding fight.

Both teams have played once this season. Houston beat Dallas 128-110 at home, and San Antonio lost 116-104 to Oklahoma City at home.

Sportsbooks' prices give the Spurs a 64% chance to win, and Keel's projection, built from the players available, has them at 63%.