Complete guide to the Thunder, Rockets playoff series
By Tony Heim
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