Thunder Gameday: OKC Takes on Rockets to End Back-to-Back
On the heels of a big win in New Orleans, Oklahoma City is heading home to face the Rockets Wednesday night.
After registering 50 wins following a gritty win over the Pelicans on the road, the Thunder now return home to finish out a back-to-back versus the Houston Rockets.
OKC jumped out to a 20-point lead against New Orleans, which quickly evaporated as the game went on. While they eventually came away with the win, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander looked clearly hobbled in the later stages of the game.
“He’s banged up, for sure,” head coach Mark Daigneault said after the game. “He’s not 100%. We’re monitoring it, but he’s certainly not a hundred percent.”
Tonight, Gilgeous-Alexander’s health will play a big factor, as they’ll take on Houston, who’s riding a nine-game win-streak.
ODDS:
The Thunder enter the day as 7.5-point favorites over the Rockets, and the total over/under is 230.5 points.
KEYS TO THE GAME:
The Rockets are rolling out a different product since OKC has last seen them. Their star Alperen Sengun went down with a season-ending injury, but the team has leaned hard on both its defensive identity and unselfish play to roll to a nine-game streak.
Jalen Green has again resurfaced as a No. 1 scoring option, averaging 29.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists and one steal per game while shooting 49-44-79 overall from the floor in that eight-game span.
Suffice to say, the Rockets have been a complete team of late. In order to come away with a victory tonight, Oklahoma City is going to have to get it done on both ends. Lu Dort will likely have the assignment of Green tonight, and will be tasked with shadowing him around the court.
On offense, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren will be looked at as the load-carriers, especially with SGA’s status up in the air.
If Oklahoma City can produce a solid two-way product, there’s a chance they can snap Houston’s streak.
RECORDS:
Oklahoma City Thunder (50-21) at Houston Rockets (36-35)
INJURIES:
Check out our live injury tracker, along with our game day injury report that will release later today.
WHEN:
Wednesday, March 27, at 7 p.m. CT
LOCATION:
Paycom Center - Oklahoma City, OK
TV/Radio:
NBA League Pass, 98.1 FM The Sports Animal
Live Stream: fuboTV (Start Your Free Trial)
FINAL WORD:
Playing on the second game of a back-to-back against a white-hot team with its superstar ailing isn’t likely a recipe for success for the Thunder. But this team has proven its impressiveness time and time again this season.
At tip, I’d expect to see a competitive ballgame, regardless of varying factors.
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