Thunder Gameday: Looking to Finish Strong Before Break Against Rockets

Tonight will be the final game for both the Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets before the NBA All-Star break. Two rebuilding teams, the Thunder have been much better this season than the Rockets, but Houston seems to always match up better.

Will the Thunder find a way to win their second consecutive against the Rockets, or will they go into the break on a bad loss?

As long as Oklahoma City dictates the style of play, the game should go in the Thunder's favor.

ODDS:

The Thunder enter the day as 9.5-point underdogs to the Rockets, and the total over/under is 235.5 points.

KEYS TO THE GAME:

If the Rockets are going to win this game, it will be due to physicality. The last win Houston got over OKC was a contest in which the Rockets simply appeared to want it more.

When it comes to loose balls, points in the paint and crashing the glass, the team that's able to win those categories will have success tonight.

Jeremiah Robinson-Earl is back from injury, and should be a key piece of the defensive rotation to slow down Alperen Sengun. Houston also has a lethal scorer in Jalen Green that will likely get attention from Lu Dort.

On the flip side, the Rockets will have the near impossible task of limiting Shai Gilgeous-Alexander offensively.

RECORDS:

Oklahoma City Thunder (27-29) vs. Houston Rockets (13-44)

WHEN:

Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023 at 7:00 PM CT

LOCATION:

Paycom Center - Oklahoma City, OK

TV/RADIO:

Bally Sports Oklahoma, NBA League Pass, 98.1 FM The Sports Animal

FINAL WORD:

Following this contest, both teams will have over a week off due to the NBA All-Star break. The Rockets and Thunder will each have multiple players going to Salt Lake City to participate in various events.

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