Rockets vs. Thunder Pre-Game 2/4/23

Rockets Visit Thunder, Hoping to Replicate Earlier Success

Repeating History.    The Rest Factor.    A Green Return.

The Rockets visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday night, in the second matchup between these teams in the last three games for Houston. The Rockets are 2-0 against OKC this season, and 5-1 in their last 6 games overall. They’ve had more success against the Thunder than any franchise over the past two years. The squad will try and repeat history on the road Saturday night, as these teams square off in OKC for the first time this season.

The Thunder haven’t played since the previous matchup between these squads, and have had two days off. Houston, meanwhile, lost a tough match to the Raptors at home last night. The Rockets certainly won’t be as rested, but they’re a young team, and back-to-backs shouldn’t take a toll on Houston like they do to veteran teams.

Jalen Green returns after missing the previous three games with an injury. Eric Gordon has notched season-highs in scoring in the past three games, carrying the offensive load for the Rockets while Green was out. Hopefully Green returns ready to showcase his young, All-Star talent. Like Houston, Green’s been inconsistent this season. And the Rockets have struggled mightily on the second night of back-to-backs, but if there’s any team they’d want to be facing, one has to think it’s this OKC team, given Houston’s recent success over the Thunder. Expect Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to have batter performance than his sub-par 24-point night back on Wednesday. If the Rockets can contain SGA again, and find more success from beyond the arc, they have a chance to stay undefeated against the Thunder this season.

 

Paycom Center:  Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (13-39):  Red

Oklahoma City Thunder (24-27):  White

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass