Tip-Off: 7 PM CT
Location: Chesapeake Energy Arena (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
Television: TNT
Radio: WWLS 98.1FM OKC The Sports Animal
Twitter: Follow @TheThunderGuys for live-tweets during the game
The Oklahoma City Thunder picked up their sixth consecutive win last night as they defeated the Cavaliers in Cleveland, and tonight they play host to the Houston Rockets. Russell Westbrook is unlikely to play as he recovers from a sprained left ankle, and after a poor shooting night last night, the Thunder will need to play much better tonight if they want to pick up win number seven.
Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets have struggled so far this season, likely due to a mixture of chemistry issues, injuries, and suspensions. After dropping 4 of their first 5 games, they have won 3 of the last 4.
Another interesting aspect to tonight’s game is the return of Carmelo Anthony to Chesapeake Energy Arena. After an unsuccessful season in Oklahoma City last year, Anthony was traded to Atlanta in the offseason, where he was bought out, and then he signed with the Rockets.
Thunder fans will likely clap for Melo when he enters the game (he’s been playing off the bench in Houston), but after that initial moment, it should be business as usual.
Projected Starters
Thunder
- PG: Dennis Schröder
- SG: Terrance Ferguson
- SF: Paul George
- PF: Jerami Grant
- C: Steven Adams
Rockets
- PG: Chris Paul
- SG: James Harden
- SF: James Ennis
- PF: P.J. Tucker
- C: Clint Capela
Injuries
Thunder
- Andre Roberson (left patellar tendon) is OUT.
- Russell Westbrook (left ankle sprain) is DOUBTFUL.
Rockets
- Michael-Carter Williams (illness) is OUT.
- Eric Gordon (right abductor strain) is QUESTIONABLE.
- Brandon Knight (left knee injury) is OUT.
- Nene (right calf strain) is OUT.
Head-to-Head
- Since arriving in Oklahoma City in 2008, the Thunder is 16-20 against the Rockets (11-8 at home, 5-12 on the road).
- The Rockets have won 2 of the last 3 matchups with the Thunder in Oklahoma City.
- The Thunder has won the season series with the Rockets 4 times, lost it 4 times, and tied 2 times.
- The Thunder won the regular season with the Rockets last year 2-1 (1-1 at home, 1-0 on the road).
Game Notes
- The Thunder is on a six-game winning streak, the second longest winning streak in the NBA, while the Rockets are on a three-game winning streak.
- Oklahoma City is 3-2 at home while Houston is 4-1 on the road.
- Oklahoma City is 3-3 against the Western Conference while Houston is 1-5.
- The Thunder is 1-0 in the second game of a back-to-back while Houston is 2-1 coming off of two days of rest.
- Oklahoma City Thunder Official Game Notes
- Cleveland Cavaliers Official Game Notes
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