OKC Thunder. Houston Rockets. Seven games. One series winner.
For those who claim this matchup to be Russell Westbrook vs. James Harden, you need to know one thing: you’re wrong. In this series it’s incredibly possible that Harden could average around 20 points and 8 assists and win while Westbrook averages 38-12-12.
To win this series, Oklahoma City has to stop Harden’s supporting cast; Ryan Anderson, Trevor Ariza, Eric Gordon and Lou Williams cannot get hot. With that being said, if the shots aren’t falling for Houston it’s going to be a tough series to win for the #3 seed out West.
Season series
Houston won the season series 3-1, taking care of the last three games. The Thunder won the first game after Westbrook ended Clint Capela’s basketball life with this dunk:
The next two games were also relatively close, with the Rockets winning when Westbrook couldn’t score enough at the end of the game. In the season finale – the only game with the trade deadline roster additions – Houston smacked around the Thunder to the tune of 137-125. It was not a good look for the OKC Thunder going into this series.
Probable lineups
OKC Thunder
Point Guard: Russell Westbrook
Shooting Guard: Victor Oladipo
Small Forward: Andre Roberson
Power Forward: Taj Gibson
Center: Steven Adams
Key Reserves: Alex Abrines, Semaj Christon, Jerami Grant, Enes Kanter
Houston Rockets
Point Guard: James Harden
Shooting Guard: Patrick Beverley
Small Forward: Trevor Ariza
Power Forward: Ryan Anderson
Center: Clint Capela
Key Reserves: Eric Gordon, Montrezl Harrell, Nene, Lou Williams
*Sam Dekker fractured wrist