Rockets Roll into OKC, Aiming for Sixth Straight Win
Fresh Start. Second Gear. Mini-Series.
We’re all used to the sound of thunder, even though we can’t visibly see it coming, we can hear the impact it has on the world around us. On Monday night, the Houston Rockets, a team no one saw winning five straight after the James Harden trade, begins the first of two games against the Thunder in Oklahoma City. These two squads were supposed to square off on Opening Night, but coronavirus intervened, and that game was postponed to a later date. So, this is the first time these teams will meet this season.
The Rockets are on a roll, winners of five in a row, Houston’s found a new positive energy that’s become ingrained in the team’s chemistry. This team’s having so much fun right now. Everyone is playing to win, and there’s certainly a sense of relief Harden and his drama is finally gone. With their latest victory, Houston pushed themselves back even towards .500, and are in the thick of a crowded Western Conference standings. A mere 3 games separate the 5th and 14th seeds out West. OKC sits only a game behind the Rockets at 8-10. There’s no reason the WOW factor shouldn’t be able to push Houston pass a less-talented Thunder team. Other than Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, an All-Star in the making, and Al Horford, OKC poses no real threats, and the Rockets Big Three should be able to silence any thunderous attempts Oklahoma aims at Houston. The Rockets will be without David N’waba tonight, who unfortunately suffered an injury in Houston’s previous game.
Tonight is the first of a back-to-back between these two, another one of the NBA’s many mini-series during this shortened coronavirus-impacted 72-game season. It’s also officially the beginning of the second quarter of the season for Houston. The squad is 18 games into the 72-game campaign. It’s going to take a lot more winning for the Rockets to get national attention, but that’s no problem. This team loves flying under the radar. And, like the Grizzlies six-game winning streak you probably didn’t know about, it may surprise you that these Rockets are on such a roll. But you’ve been warned now. Unlike Memphis’ winning ways, Houston is only going to get better. So get ready Oklahoma City. A storm’s headed your way. Just like your thunder, you might not hear their approach… no one saw these Rockets coming.
Chesapeake Energy Arena: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (9-9): Red
Oklahoma City Thunder (8-10): White
TV: 7 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW