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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

Oklahoma City Thunder | Game #42 Preview: Houston Rockets

Zachary LowJanuary 15, 2026 No Comments Chet Holmgren Houston Rockets Jalen Williams Kevin Durant Oklahoma City Thunder Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Half a season of basketball has been played since these teams met back in October for the NBA’s season opener, a 125-124 double-overtime victory for the Thunder in OKC. Since then, the Thunder has been the most dominant team in the league, and Houston has had to weather the ebbs and flows of a long season. Still, when these two teams are slated to play, it’s safe to say that the whole league is going to be looking in on the result.

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 #1 Preview: Houston Rockets

Zachary LowOctober 21, 2025 No Comments Houston Rockets Jalen Williams Kevin Durant Luguentz Dort Oklahoma Sooners Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Oklahoma City Thunder opens up the 2025-26 NBA season on Tuesday night against the Houston Rockets, but before that happens, they will be presented with their championship rings. The championship banner will also be revealed, and then it will be game on as OKC’s bid to repeat as champs begins with perhaps some of their toughest competition in the conference.

Thunder Against the Spread | OKC a Solid Favorite for Opening Night Clash with Houston

Zachary LowOctober 21, 2025 1 Comment Fred VanVleet Houston Rockets Jalen Williams Kevin Durant Oklahoma Sooners Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

It’s opening night. Oklahoma City is presenting the 2025 NBA Finals banner. Thunder players are receiving their championship rings. It’s going to be crazy at the Paycom Center. After all of that, there’s still a game to be played, and even though the Rockets are a young squad ready to take the next step, OKC is still the favorite to repeat as champions. Both teams are missing a key starter—Jalen Williams is out for OKC, and Fred VanVleet is out for Houston—plus Kevin Durant will be in the building for his debut with the Rockets. When it comes down to it, the Thunder is a deeper team, and they are going to get a solid win for the home crowd on opening night.

Thunder Against the Spread | OKC Takes on Suns in SEGABABA in Phoenix Without SGA, Dort, IHart, and Wallace

Zachary LowApril 9, 2025 1 Comment Chet Holmgren Isaiah Hartenstein Jalen Williams Kevin Durant Luguentz Dort Oklahoma Sooners Phoenix Suns Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Both teams are playing in the second game of a back-to-back, but the Suns have a play-in spot on the line. If they lose, they’re out. If they win, they have a shot. Even if OKC doesn’t play typical minutes—which they don’t have any reason to do so with the top seed locked up—the Thunder has more depth than the Suns, and a double-digit victory should be expected.

Oklahoma City Thunder | Game #49 Preview: Phoenix Suns

Zachary LowFebruary 5, 2025 No Comments Cason Wallace Chet Holmgren Devin Booker Isaiah Hartenstein Jalen Williams Kevin Durant Luguentz Dort Oklahoma Sooners Phoenix Suns Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Oklahoma City Thunder continues their homestand on Wednesday night as they host Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns. Kevin Durant is unlikely to play due to a sprained ankle, but plenty of rumors are flying around the league that he could be moved ahead of the trade deadline tomorrow afternoon. OKC isn’t likely to be making any moves as they have safely maintained the top seed in the West despite not being at full strength all season long.

Thunder Against the Spread | OKC A Double-Digit Favorite at Home Against Suns

Zachary LowFebruary 5, 2025 1 Comment Devin Booker Isaiah Hartenstein Jalen Williams Kevin Durant Luguentz Dort Oklahoma Sooners Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Phoenix is one of the worst good teams in the NBA. They can be really good, but they’re so inconsistent that they’re barely over .500 on the season, and they fail to meet expectations regularly. Still, the Suns have lost just 7 games by more than 11 points, and Devin Booker has been playing particularly well lately, scoring at least 30 points in 10 of his last 15 games. I think the Thunder wins convincingly, but I see Phoenix covering the spread, even if it’s because of a late-game push.

Oklahoma City Thunder | Game #13 Preview: Phoenix Suns

Zachary LowNovember 15, 2024 No Comments Bradley Beal Chet Holmgren Devin Booker Jalen Williams Jusuf Nurkic Kevin Durant Oklahoma Sooners Phoenix Suns Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Oklahoma City Thunder is all set to host the Phoenix Suns on Friday night for their first game of the Emirates NBA Cup. OKC is grouped with Phoenix, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Utah Jazz, and the San Antonio Spurs, and tonight is a good opportunity to get ahead in the standings for an opportunity to play in the Knockout Round next month.