Rockets Visit Thunder for Friday Night Showdown
Out of State. Embrace the Storm. First of its Kind.
For the first time all season, the Rockets will venture out of Texas, as they visit Oklahoma City for a battle with the Thunder on Friday night. So far into this early season, Oklahoma City looks like the best team in the West. They’re coming off their first loss of the season, a tough two-point loss on the road to the Denver Nuggets. Which means MVP-candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and co. will be extra motivated to get back on the winning track. The Thunder also haven’t lost at home all season, winning all games in their house by at least double-digits. None of this is good news for the Rockets, who are aiming for their first three-game winning streak of this season.
If Houston wants to pull off the upset, everyone is going to need to have a big game on the roster. And the Rockets will have to hope OKC is having an off night. Besides SGA, Chet Holmgren is one of the best young bigs in the league, and his matchup with Alperen Sengun could potentially decide this game’s outcome, if the proceedings are close. Houston has yet to be blown out this season, they’ve stormed back and prevented blowouts. If the Rockets can embrace the storm, and stay within reaching distance, they have a shot to at least make this an exciting game. And if Steven Adams plays, Houston has an even better shot. The Rockets are 3-0 this season with Adams in the lineup. His presence could certainly be used against a deep and talented OKC squad. Expect the Thunder to come out intense on both ends after suffering their first loss. OKC’s fans are underrated: some of the loudest, most passionate, and loyal fans in then entire league.
This is the first game of its kind this season. A matchup, that for many reasons, points towards a Thunder victory. The Rockets can fight this expected outcome, and a win would be Houston’s most impressive of the season. But regardless of the result, this is the first truly benchmark game for the Rockets that will measure where they stand with the NBA’s elite. Unlike Dallas, OKC doesn’t overlook any opponents. The Thunder will be more than ready to play and try and stay undefeated at home. Can the Rockets play spoilers for their fans for the first time this season? Find out tonight in what should be a thrilling Friday night fight between two Western foes.
Paycom Center: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (5-3): White
Oklahoma City Thunder (7-1): Orange
Tip-Off: 7:00 PM CT
TV: Space City Home Network, NBA League Pass