Alperen Sengun – Heartland Sports

Oklahoma City Thunder | Game #53 Preview: Houston Rockets

Now, OKC hosts the Houston Rockets for a Saturday afternoon matchup, but most of the injured Thunder players are now available to play, plus newcomer Jared McCain will likely make his Thunder debut. While SGA is out, OKC needs to do what is possible to maintain the top spot in the West. Winning at the same rate might not be possible, particularly with how difficult the schedule is, but this is a good opportunity for the team to figure some things out without being able to rely on the reigning MVP.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Thunder Against the Spread | OKC Slightly Favored as They Host Houston in Saturday Matinee

Zachary LowFebruary 7, 2026 1 Comment Alperen Sengun Chet Holmgren Houston Rockets Isaiah Hartenstein Kevin Durant Oklahoma City Thunder Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

No Shai Gilgeous-Alexander automatically makes people think the Thunder can’t win big games, but history over the last couple of seasons has said otherwise. The Thunder are a well-rounded team, and when it comes down to it, the defense is the anchor that makes this team successful. Houston turns the ball over at a high rate, so if OKC can take advantage of that, then they’ve got a good chance to win the game. Add to it that they’ll be playing in front of the home crowd, and I like the Thunder to win a close one.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Thunder Against the Spread | OKC is a Narrow Favorite Headed into Houston

Zachary LowJanuary 15, 2026 1 Comment Alperen Sengun Amen Thompson Chet Holmgren Houston Rockets Jalen Williams Kevin Durant Oklahoma City Thunder Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

When these two teams met in the NBA’s season opener, the result was a 1-point Thunder win in double overtime. A couple of months and a lot of basketball played later, OKC and Houston aren’t really that close in the standings, but they probably will be on the court tonight. The Rockets have lost just twice at home—tied with OKC for the fewest home losses in the league—but they’ve had a heavy road schedule so far. While I expect it to be a good game, I don’t think Houston covers the spread unless they outright win, which is why I’m taking the Thunder to win by something around 6-8 points.

Oklahoma City Thunder | Game #61 Preview: Houston Rockets

Zachary LowMarch 3, 2025 No Comments Alperen Sengun Cason Wallace Chet Holmgren Houston Rockets Isaiah Hartenstein Jalen Green Jalen Williams Luguentz Dort Oklahoma Sooners Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Oklahoma City Thunder pulled away late in the game in San Antonio last night as they managed to cool off the Spurs for a 146-132 victory. OKC’s offense has been the highest-scoring in the NBA since teams returned from the NBA All-Star Break, but their defense has been pretty lackluster. The Thunder get the opportunity Monday night to test just how good that offense is and whether or not the defense can get back on track as they host the Houston Rockets.

Oklahoma City Thunder | Thunder Back in OKC as a Near Double-Digit Favorite Over Rockets

Zachary LowMarch 3, 2025 1 Comment Alperen Sengun Cason Wallace Chet Holmgren Houston Rockets Isaiah Hartenstein Isaiah Joe Jalen Green Jalen Williams Luguentz Dort Oklahoma Sooners Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

There are a lot of question marks on the injury reports for both teams, but regardless of who plays, I’m anticipating a close matchup. OKC and Houston have arguably the top two defenses in the NBA, but the Thunder haven’t exactly been playing like it lately. OKC’s offense is the highest-scoring in the league since returning from the All-Star Break, but the defense is giving up a ridiculous amount of points. The Thunder’s defense is going to have to slow down Houston’s athleticism, or this is going to turn into another shootout. Either way, I’ve got OKC winning the game, but I do think the Rockets keep it to single digits.

Oklahoma City Thunder | Game #25 Preview – NBA Cup Semifinal: Houston Rockets

Zachary LowDecember 14, 2024 No Comments Alperen Sengun Chet Holmgren Fred VanVleet Houston Rockets Isaiah Hartenstein Jalen Green Jalen Williams Luguentz Dort Oklahoma Sooners Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Houston Rockets meet in the NBA Cup Semifinal in Las Vegas on Saturday night in what should be yet another exciting matchup between two of the top teams in Western Conference and two of the best defenses in the entire league. Both teams feature young rosters with a lot of talent, but OKC has quite a bit more experience across the board when it comes to the big stage.

Thunder Against the Spread | OKC Favored in NBA Cup Semifinal Against Houston

Zachary LowDecember 14, 2024 1 Comment Alperen Sengun Fred VanVleet Houston Rockets Isaiah Hartenstein Jalen Green Jalen Williams Luguentz Dort Oklahoma Sooners Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Oklahoma City is statistically better than Houston in nearly every category. Stats matter far less than actual matchups, however, which is why I’m taking the Thunder to cover the spread against the Rockets. OKC is the more experienced team and the more talented one. The teams looked pretty evenly matched in the narrow Houston win just a couple of weeks ago, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has really ramped up his play lately, Isaiah Hartenstein is fitting into OKC’s lineup like a tailored glove, and Jalen Williams is making his case to be a first-time All-Star. Despite Houston’s talented young roster, they’re still a couple of years behind the Thunder, and on a bigger stage like this one, the better team will win out.

Oklahoma City Thunder | Game #20 Preview: Houston Rockets

Zachary LowDecember 1, 2024 No Comments Alperen Sengun Houston Rockets Isaiah Hartenstein Jalen Green Jalen Williams Oklahoma Sooners Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Oklahoma City Thunder closes out their 4-game road trip on Sunday night in Houston as the take on the Rockets. The Thunder has picked up wins in Sacramento against the Kings, in San Francisco against the Warriors, and in Los Angeles against the Lakers, and they are hoping to do the same in Houston.

Thunder Against the Spread | OKC Given Edge Over Rockets in Houston

Zachary LowDecember 1, 2024 1 Comment Alperen Sengun Houston Rockets Isaiah Hartenstein Jalen Williams Oklahoma Sooners Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Houston Rockets lead the league in rebounding with 4 players averaging at least 6.3 per game. In his four game in a Thunder jersey, Isaiah Hartenstein has averaged 14.0 rebounds. Hartenstein’s addition to OKC has made a drastic difference in the Thunder’s paint presence, particularly with the absence of Chet Holmgren. I see him slowing down what the Rockets like to do in the paint, and that would be bad news for Houston, which is a bottom-5 3-point shooting team. I’m taking OKC to cover and finish out the road trip with another win.

Oklahoma City Thunder | Game #72 Preview: Houston Rockets

Zachary LowMarch 27, 2024 1 Comment Alperen Sengun Chet Holmgren Houston Rockets Jalen Williams Oklahoma Sooners Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Life doesn’t get much easier for OKC as they traveled home last night to get ready for a home SEGABABA against the Houston Rockets. The Rockets have won 9 straight and 11 of their last 12, but they are missing Alperen Sengun, who has been especially problematic for OKC in recent matchups.