Thunder Gameday: First Contest Of Series Against Houston
Although the Oklahoma City Thunder have twice as many wins as the Houston Rockets this season, the matchups between these teams are always tough to predict. In fact, when they played back in November, Houston won by double-digits.
Tonight will be the first of two contests between these teams this week, so who will get the first victory of the series?
ODDS:
The Thunder enter the day as 5-point favorites against the Rockets, and the total over/under is 231.5 points.
KEYS TO THE GAME:
Both teams will be shorthanded in the backcourt tonight, as the Thunder will be without Lu Dort while the Rockets will miss Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. in the lineup.
Regardless, both of these teams have an immense amount of talent on their respective rosters and should put on a show.
For Oklahoma City, it will be about controlling the pace of play. If the Thunder play to their style of choice, it should be a contest in which Shai Gilgeous-Alexander can fully take over.
The Rockets like to run their offense through Alperen Sengun, so an emphasis on slowing him down will be key defensively.
RECORDS:
Oklahoma City Thunder (24-26) vs. Houston Rockets (12-38)
WHEN:
Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023 at 7:00 PM CT
LOCATION:
Toyota Center - Houston, TX
TV/RADIO:
Bally Sports Oklahoma, NBA League Pass, 98.1 FM The Sports Animal
FINAL WORD:
Following this contests, these teams will have two days off before matching up again on Saturday. This time, the Thunder and Rockets will be in Oklahoma City as the home court advantage shifts.
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