Rockets vs Thunder
Thu, Jan 15
Final
Rockets
Rockets
(23 - 14)
91
-
111
Thunder
Thunder
(34 - 7)
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rockets | 19 | 29 | 27 | 16 | 91 |
| Thunder | 21 | 34 | 22 | 34 | 111 |
Venue: Toyota Center
GAME LEADERS
PTS
REB
AST
Alperen Sengun
HOU | #28 | C
14
13
5
Chet Holmgren
OKC | #7 | C/F
18
9
1
Smart Game Analysis
Oklahoma City Thunder has a 62% chance of winning the game
Despite Houston's significant rebounding advantage and the presence of Kevin Durant, the Thunder's top-ranked defense and current four-game winning streak make them the clear favorites on the road.
Key Analysis
- • The absence of key wing defenders Tari Eason and Dorian Finney-Smith leaves Houston vulnerable to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's relentless driving ability.
- • Oklahoma City boasts the NBA's number one defensive rating, allowing just 108.1 points per game, which will stifle Houston's inconsistent offense.
- • Houston leads the league in rebounding with 49.1 boards per game and must dominate the glass to compensate for Oklahoma City's efficiency edge.
- • The Thunder enter the contest with strong momentum having won four straight games, whereas the Rockets have lost three of their last four.
- • Missing starting point guard Fred VanVleet puts severe pressure on Houston's ball handlers against a Thunder defense that forces the second-most turnovers in the league.
- • To secure an upset, the Rockets must ruthlessly feed Alperen Sengun in the post to exploit the interior absence of Isaiah Hartenstein.
