MLK Day features OKC Thunder vs reeling Rockets: preview

JANUARY 9: Terrance Ferguson #23 of the OKC Thunder plays defense against the Houston Rockets (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
JANUARY 9: Terrance Ferguson #23 of the OKC Thunder plays defense against the Houston Rockets (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
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OKC Thunder
OKC Thunder (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)

Projected Line-ups:

OKC Thunder Starters:

Point Guard: Chris Paul
Shooting Guard: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Small Forward: Terrance Ferguson
Power Forward: Danilo Gallinari
Center:  Steven Adams

OKC Thunder Bench:

Point Guard: Dennis Schroder.
Shooting Guard: Hamidou Diallo, Deonte Burton
Small Forward: Darius Bazley, Kevin Hervey
Power Forward: Mike Muscala
Center: Nerlens NoelJustin Patton

Injury notes:

  • Andre Roberson continues his rehab away from the team.
  • Terrance Ferguson is day to day with an illness but is expected to play
  • Abdel Nader is day to day with an ankle injury

Houston Rockets Starters:

More from Thunderous Intentions

Point Guard: Russell Westbrook
Shooting Guard: James Harden
Small Forward: Danuel House
Power Forward: PJ Tucker
Center:  Clint Capela

Houston Rockets Bench:

Point Guard: Chris ClemonsMichael Frazier
Shooting Guard: Eric Gordon, *Austin RiversBen McLemore
Small Forward:  Gary ClarkWilliam Howard
Power Forward:
Center: Tyson ChandlerIsaiah Hartenstein

Injury notes:

  • Nene Hilario remains out with a strained abductor.
  • Gerald Green is out indefinitely with a broken left foot and an expected return date of May.
  • *Austin Rivers is doubtful with a thumb injury

*All injury information sourced through basketball reference

Game Specifics

The Venue: Toyota Center

Tipoff:  5:00 PM ET  | 4:00 PM CT

TV: FS Oklahoma

Radio: WWLS 98.1 FM OKC

History:

The teams have played 43 times as they are named today with the OKC Thunder holding a 26-17 advantage. The Thunder took three of the four matches last season and have split their matchups so far this season.

Note the early start time given the holiday game. Check back post game for grades and insights into the match.