Thunder/Rockets Game one Live Blog, Lu Dort Update

Billy Donovan made it official a few moments ago by announcing that Lu Dort would not play tonight vs. the Rockets. Donovan says he continues to progress, and the team is "very encouraged" at the progress he's made, but there is no timeline for his return.

The Thunder will not say who is starting in Dort's place, a safe bet would be Terrance Ferguson, but he won't be the only one who defends James Harden. Donovan will look to Hamidou Diallo, Dennis Schroder, and possibly Andre Roberson to fill the void left by Dort's Absence.

"He's [Roberson] obviously in the past guarded James [Harden], he knows James."..."We'll see how Andre can do if he gets an opportunity to go out there and play against him."

Russell Westbrook Update

According to Joe Mussatto of the Oklahoman, Rocket's coach Mike D'Antoni says that Russell Westbrook's injured quad is healing, but "We'll have to wait and see."

First Quarter:

Thought Ferguson got shoved into Harden on that play. Thunder is doing an excellent job of taking advantage of the mismatches in the early going, getting to the foul line, and getting the Rockets in trouble.

Adams looks fine after getting tangled up with PJ Tucker. Tucker with two fouls, Rockets as a team with six. Thunder in the bonus. Adams 1-3 from the free-throw line.

Schroder in with the starters, and gets the assignment of guarding Harden. Thunder looked stunned by the zone Houston set up in that last possession. Also, not looking for open shots, previous two trips down the court, threes going up early in the clock.

If Oklahoma City is going to win, they have to commit to doing what they have done all season, slow the game down. Right now, they are playing into Houston's hands.

Billy Donovan may be forced to go small with that second unit with Noel on the bench after picking up his third foul.

28-20 Rockets at the end of the first quarter.

Second Quarter:

The best way to break a zone is not to let a team get set up on defense. The Problem is the Thunder would instead make passes and look for a good shot vs. play in transition. Unless the Thunder can hit open threes or get to the basket, you're not going to give the Rockets any reason to get out of that zone.

Andre Roberson did an excellent job of fighting through at least three picks to keep up with James Harden.

Rockets 8 of 18 from beyond the arc. The Thunder are willing to settle from shots on the parameter without working the ball inside. 55-35 with 4:26 left in the second quarter.

Thank you, Steven Adams! After some hesitation, he did the right thing putting the ball on the floor and going baseline—Oklahoma City with a chance to build some momentum before the half.

I didn't think Schroder was set on the charge call, but what the heck do I know?

Thunder on a 9-0 run.

Harden picks up foul number three.

68-52 Rockets at the half.

Third Quarter

No idea what Chris Paul said going into the locker room, just hope it was worth it. It's hard to believe that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is 1-4.

House had 1 on 3, and there was no collapse at the basket.

Rockets have had an even scoring night with four players in Double Figures.

Fourth Quarter:

Now is the time where we remind you that the Thunder have won 17 games this season when trailing after the third quarter.

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