OKC Thunder vs Rockets game 1: everything you need to know

The OKC Thunder face the Houston Rockets in a first-round matchup that has everyone talking. Gameday previews the match.

It’s finally here, the day we have all been waiting for. The OKC Thunder will be taking on the Houston Rockets in a clash like no other.

It’s as if everything both teams have achieved this season and the events of the last offseason all led to this very moment. Where histories collide and friends become rivals. There’s no doubt the two sides share a great history and friendship off the court.

As it’s been talked about in basketball circles since we first found out – Chris Paul will take on his old teammates, while Russell Westbrook and James Harden will also face off against their former team.

This season OKC and Houston played each other three times. The most memorable matchup was on January 9th in Russell Westbrook’s homecoming game. OKC won 113-92 with spectacular performances across the roster. Then again on January 19 with a phenomenal 17 point come from behind victory.

While many will call it an upset if the Thunder win this series, many will see it as no surprise. Of course, coming into this year OKC had an underdog mentality but they have shown that they are a team capable of going all the way.

I believe the Thunder will take game 1 and win the series in six games – though it would be amazing if it was a sweep. The Thunder’s defensive advantage and multiple scoring and playmaking options will be too much for the Rockets to contain. I also feel Westbrook being out will have a huge impact on this as Houston will miss the dynamic energy and additional scoring Westbrook brings.

OKC Thunder game plan:

Stopping Harden and rising to the defensive assignment:

OKC enters the game as the better defensive team having finished the regular season with a defensive rating of 108.1.

The Thunder plays with hustle and heart but playing the Rockets provides a different style of game.

One of the most intriguing matchups defensively will be guarding MVP candidate James Harden. With Lu Dort out for the first game, it will be a hefty task. This season Terrance Ferguson did some damage when he held Harden to 29 percent shooting from the floor.

Ferguson’s length and speed would be tough for Harden to play against but as of recently, he hasn’t played many minutes. The playoffs could see Ferguson get a chance to show his defensive prowess.

One player who I would like to see guarding Harden would be Hamidou Diallo. His athleticism and hunger go unmatched.

Fouling Harden is inevitable but with multiple guys up for the challenge, there’s no reason why the Thunder won’t be able to stop him.

Taking center stage:

It looks like Steven Adams and Nerlens Noel will have a huge game, being the only true centers on the floor. The Thunder big men will come out aggressive on the boards and will want to take full advantage of the height disparities.

Adams is a menace in the paint and if he can come out dominating the post like we’re used to seeing, then the Rockets’ will have a problem.

One thing to note is that the Thunder was actually last throughout the regular season in second-chance points and will need to improve on this in the playoffs especially playing against the small-ball lineup of the Rockets who could surprise them.

Point guard threat:

The Thunder backcourt is in great hands with Chris Paul, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Dennis Schroder. The trio combined for an average of 55.5 points in the 2019-20 regular season and have each taken turns leading the Thunder’s offense.

They may be small, but they can cause havoc for opponents. All playing with confidence and innovation to create masterful plays.

All season it’s a lineup that has amazed fans but baffled the opposition and it will be exciting to see how they go in the playoff arena.

Injuries:

Houston Rockets:

• Russell Westbrook will be out with a quad strain.

OKC Thunder:

• Luguentz Dort will miss the first game. He will be monitored day-to-day as he recovers from a right knee sprain.

Odds predictions:

Here are the odds for the game:

Game specifics:

More from Thunderous Intentions

• Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
• Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
• 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
• Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

Houston Rockets Record/Seed: 44-28 (finished 4th in the West) – The Rockets finished ahead of the Thunder due to winning the Southwest division.

OKC Thunder Record/Seed: 44-28 (finished 5th in the West)

The Venue: Walt Disney World Resort. HP Field House.

Tipoff: 6:30 PM ET | 5:30 PM CT

TV: Fox Sports Oklahoma | TNT | NBA League Pass

Radio: WWLS 98.1 FM OKC

History:

The OKC Thunder have met the Rockets twice before in the 2013 and 2017 playoffs. They each have won a series with OKC winning in six games in 2013 and Houston taking the 2017 series in five games.

Enjoy the game Thunder Nation and check back afterward for player grades and takeaways.