Rockets vs. Thunder Pre-Game 11/17/21

Rockets Look to Quiet Thunder, Aim for First Road Win

Lone Win.    One for the Road.    Opportunity Knocks.

Jalen Green and the squad were sent to bed early on Monday night in Memphis, as Houston is coming off their worst loss of the season, a 34-point mauling at the hands of the Grizzlies. The loss stretched the squad’s league-high skid to a dozen games. Houston will look to turn things around, and put an end to their 12-game losing streak, as they visit the only team they’ve beaten: the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Rockets walloped OKC, 124-91, for Houston’s lone win, back in the squad’s home opener on October 22nd. The Thunder have improved mightily since that game. OKC even went on a four-game winning streak earlier this month. Houston hasn’t tasted a victory since that first matchup with the Thunder. The Rockets will look to take advantage of an easier opponent before the schedule toughens up again for the final two games of their road trip.

After tonight, Houston pays visits to New York and Boston, where the Knicks and Celtics will pose as much tougher challengers than tonight’s OKC squad. Hopefully, the Rockets will have renewed confidence against the Thunder, since OKC is the only team Houston’s beaten. Regardless, this matchup should definitely be closer than Monday night’s blowout in Memphis.

Opportunity knocks tonight for the Rockets. They’re still the underdogs, but Houston’s beaten the Thunder once already this season, and a change of scenery shouldn’t affect their performance. OKC’s dropped their past two games to the Heat and the Nets, two solid Eastern Conference teams, respectively. If the Rockets can control their two problem areas: turnovers and missed free throws, Houston has a chance to finally snag their first road win of the season… and put their losing streak to bed.

 

Paycom Center:  Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (1-13):  Black

Oklahoma City Thunder (5-8):  White

 

TV:  7 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass