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5 reasons why the OKC Thunder can beat the Rockets

By Dillon Mattox

Jan 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) shoots against Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza (1) in the second half at Toyota Center. Houston Rockets won 118 to 116. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) shoots against Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza (1) in the second half at Toyota Center. Houston Rockets won 118 to 116. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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2. Enes Kanter

While the Rockets might be a high scoring team they are weak on defense. They have weak play in their post and that will show when the Thunder put Enes Kanter on the court. Kanter needs to be a great scoring threat if the Thunder want to get through this series.

This season Kanter averaged 14 points per game against the Rockets with the highlight of that being a 23 point game. You can make an argument that behind Russell Westbrook Kanter is the best offensive player the Thunder have.

Related: It’s time to start appreciating Enes Kanter

OKC will need to find a way to counteract Kanter’s weak defensive game though. The Thunder center has improved recently but he still has work to do. Expect the Rockets to attack Kanter every time he is on the court, trying to get him to switch onto their shooters.

Nevertheless, it will be a back-and-forth scoring match between Kanter and the Rockets role players. Kanter has the ability to make a huge difference off the bench.

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