Texas Rivalry Heats Up in NBA Cup Group of Death
The San Antonio Spurs are gearing up to host the Houston Rockets in what promises to be an electrifying NBA matchup on November 7, 2025, at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio. This game carries double significance as it counts both as a regular season contest and the opening match of the NBA Cup tournament for both franchises.
Western Conference Power Struggle
Both Texas teams enter this contest with identical 5-2 records, showcasing their strong start to the 2025-26 season. However, the Rockets currently hold the third position in the Western Conference standings, while the Spurs sit closely behind in fifth place. The game represents a critical early-season test for both squads as they navigate the challenging Group C, widely regarded as the group of death due to the presence of dominant teams including the Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, and Portland Trail Blazers.
When and How to Watch
Basketball enthusiasts can catch all the action live at 7:30 PM ET on November 6, 2025. The Spurs will enjoy home court advantage at their Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. For viewers across India and globally, the game will be available for streaming on NBC and Peacock platforms.
Projected Lineups and Key Absences
San Antonio Spurs Expected Starters:
- Jordan McLaughlin
- Stephon Castle
- Devin Vassell
- Harrison Barnes
- Victor Wembanyama
Houston Rockets Expected Starters:
- Amen Thompson
- Josh Okogie
- Kevin Durant
- Jabari Smith Jr.
- Alperen Sengun
Injury Concerns for Both Squads
The Spurs face potential roster challenges with Kelly Olynyk (heel) and Jeremy Sochan (wrist) both listed as questionable for the crucial encounter. The team will definitely miss Luke Kornet (ankle), De'Aaron Fox (hamstring), and Dylan Harper (calf), who are all ruled out due to injuries.
The Rockets have their own health concerns, with Steven Adams marked questionable due to a hip issue. The team will be without Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) and Fred VanVleet (ACL) for this Texas showdown.
Game Analysis and Prediction
The statistical comparison reveals intriguing strengths for both teams. The Rockets boast the number one ranked offense in the league this season, creating a significant gap over the Spurs, who currently rank 13th in offensive efficiency. However, when examining net ratings, the Rockets maintain their top position while the Spurs hold a respectable fourth place, largely due to their exceptional second-ranked defense, which outperforms the Rockets' sixth-ranked defensive unit.
Considering the injury reports and current team form, the Rockets appear slightly favored to secure victory in this matchup. Their offensive firepower, combined with the Spurs' potential missing pieces in the rotation, gives Houston an edge in what should nevertheless be a closely contested battle between two rising Western Conference contenders.
This early-season clash could have significant implications for both the regular season standings and the NBA Cup tournament, making it a must-watch event for basketball fans across India and beyond.
