OKC Thunder TIP3: Harden MVP chase, LeBron Rockets rumors, CP3 injury history

Finally who wins the game today, by what differential and how much meaning goes into taking the early series lead?

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With the Rockets being pretty banged up, it’s likely that Paul and Mbah a Moute will be out while Capela is questionable, I believe the Thunder will get a fairly comfortable win at home by around 10 points.

Trevor Ariza has played 41+ minutes in five straight games, Harden has had to shoulder an incredible scoring load (51 points in both of the last two games), and with Eric Gordon starting in Paul’s absence, the bench has struggled to muster anything offensively.

The Thunder have been playing well and are a very good home team, so they should be able to overcome a depleted Rockets team with some ease. Because of the injuries, I wouldn’t take too much meaning from this first game in the series.

Both teams have to be truly healthy to see how a potential playoff matchup would look like. But it should still make for an entertaining Christmas night game!

To get you further prepared for the game check out Alex Mcewen’s  full game day preview. And make sure to follow us on Twitter during the game and check back post game for player grades.