OKC Thunder vs. Houston Rockets, 2019-20 team preview

Contract Situation by category:

Guaranteed: Eric Gordon, James Harden, Austin Rivers, Gerald Green, Danuel House Jr., PJ Tucker,
Nene, Clint Capela, Russell Westbrook, Tyson Chandler, Thabo Sefolosha

Non/Partial Guaranteed: Michael Frazier | Isaiah Hartenstein | Ben McLemore | Ryan Anderson | Ben McLemore

Two-Way Contracts: None

Unsigned or on Exhibit 10: Chris Clemons | G: Shamorie Ponds | F: Jaron Blossomgame

Thunder performance vs. Rockets in 2018-19

The Thunder won the season series taking three of the four matches.

November 8, 2018, OKC Thunder versus Houston Rockets, Win: 98 – 80
George 20 points, Harden 19 points

December 25, 2018, OKC Thunder at Houston Rockets, Loss: 109 – 113
George 28 points, Harden 41 points

February 9, 2019, OKC Thunder at Houston Rockets, Win: 117 – 112
George 45 points, Harden 42 points

April 9, 2019, OKC Thunder versus Houston Rockets, Win: 112 – 111
Westbrook 29 points, Harden 39 points

Harden led the Rockets scoring in all four games with George taking three for OKC and Westbrook leading the way in the other. Top scorers by game are noted above.

Rockets Games versus OKC Thunder in 2019-20:

Away Game: Monday, October 28, 2019, at 8:00 p.m. EST

Away Game: Monday, January 20, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. EST

Home Game: Thursday, January 9, 2020, at 9:30 p.m. EST

Marquee matchup: Russell Westbrook – Chris Paul

What to expect in the three matches versus Rockets this season:

There will be many excited to witness a healthy Andre Roberson take on James Harden. But, who are we kidding everyone will want to see how personal Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook take these meetings.

Unfortunately, the NBA missed an opportunity by only scheduling three meetings and put two in Houston whose fans are far less likely to be as excited to see CP3 as Thunder Nation will be to see Russ. Instead, the lone home game and the single visit by Westbrook this season occurs on January 9th.

Although the OKC Thunder won the season series last year the teams are dramatically different and the Rockets are among the teams expected to sit atop the West. Regardless of how quickly Russ integrates Houston’s offense will be a factor. The Rockets starting lineup features five players who could each individually post 20 to 30 point efforts which means the opposing squad will be challenged defensively. Mind you the Clippers delivered two of the biggest losses to Houston last season with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Danilo Gallinari both having well-rounded games.

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For as much as the Rockets feasted offensively (ranked second) they didn’t excel in dishing dimes (ranked 28th). It’s hard to imagine they improve dramatically given even with the addition of Westbrook since CP3 ranked third last season.

Where the offense should be better is via Westbrook’s pace and ability to push and lead the transition scoring. Expect D’Antoni to utilize a similar strategy as he did with Paul via splitting up Harden and Westbrook to capitalize on one of them being on the hardwood at all times.

While some believe Westbrook’s assists will fall off the counter to that argument is he’ll be dishing dimes to a team who ranked 12th on the perimeter whereas the Thunder ranked 22nd. It’s easy to envision him driving the paint and tossing out the ball to one of many Rockets spread out on the perimeter.

Defensively, there could be a minor fall off for the 17th ranked Houston squad especially off the bench now that Green is out and defensive coach Jeff Bzdelik was released. Then again, the addition of Sefolosha was an under the radar move. There are several reserves on Houston who will be strong offensively but susceptible defensively like rookie standout Chris Clemons and Ryan Anderson.

All three games versus Houston occur prior to the trade deadline so OKC should still have Paul and Gallo with the team. The keys will be locking down defensively for the full 48 minutes and which team’s reserve unit plays better.

Ultimately, for the Harden and Westbrook backcourt to excel it will require both stars to make adjustments. Each will need to play more off the ball which ironically will likely be easier for Westbrook who’ll excel at making cuts as an option for Harden. The issue from my perspective will be Harden playing off the ball as most of his offense is generated by himself. The beard’s ability to add catch and shoot or cuts to his game will be key to the duo’s success.

Although SGA and Gallo both played well against the Rockets and Paul will undoubtedly be hyped to win it’s conceivable the Rockets could sweep the series, but I’m going with the Thunder grabbing at least one victory.