OKC Thunder vs. Houston Rockets Game 2: everything you need to know
Game 2 of the OKC Thunder versus the Houston Rockets tips off today. Here’s everything you need to know.
Although 24 hours between games isn’t long it’s felt like eons. That’s how things go when you’re on the losing side as the OKC Thunder was in Game 1 on Tuesday, August 18th.
Had the team won, then we’d be basking in the glow of victory and thinking 24 hours had passed by in a blink.
Entering the tipoff today for the mid-afternoon matinee the Thunder doesn’t have their back against the wall but certainly, the onus is on evening up the series. This is especially true while Westbrook remains out.
The first game didn’t offer much semblance to the team Thunder Nation was accustomed to. Then again, Dennis Schroder was only just back and several of the players have little to no playoff experience.
Following the game, T.I. offered grades as well as three takeaways.
Below are the key details for what you need to know entering the match.
Everything you need to know about OKC Thunder – Rockets Game 2:
Related Story. 3 Rockets to keep an eye on in the series. light
Injuries:
Houston Rockets:
The Rockets have confirmed Russell Westbrook will miss Game 2. There is speculation he might return for the series. That said, as long as the Rockets keep winning there is no need to rush Westbrook back as quad injuries can be finicky.
Given his physicality, it would be wise to let the muscle fully heal. As Thunder Nation knows the Brodie doesn’t do anything less than 100 percent, so in this particular case patience in the healing process is wise.
OKC Thunder:
As of Wednesday, there was no new update on Luguentz Dort knee sprain so the thinking was he would be out again Thursday. Billy Donovan’s updates have consistently stated Dort is progressing well and will continue to be monitored daily.
Odds predictions:
The oddsmakers favor the Rockets in Game 2, in spite of Russell Westbrook out still with his injured quadriceps muscle. The over/under is 226.5 while the best money lines are +125 for the OKC Thunder and -143 for the Rockets.
Although the Rockets won Game 1 with apparent ease the one thing this Thunder team has done all season bounces back following losses, especially double-digit losses.
The spread is meager, but still with their penchant to bounce back it would be a good bet if you have faith in their typical nature.
Game specifics:
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Houston Rockets Record/Seed: 44-28 – fourth seed, in West due to winning Southwest Division.
OKC Thunder Record/Seed: 44-28, fifth seed in the West
The Venue: Walt Disney World Resort. HP Field House.
Tipoff: 3:30 PM ET | 2:30 PM CT
National TV: ESPN | TNT | NBA League Pass
Local TV: Fox Sports Oklahoma
Radio: WWLS 98.1 FM OKC
History:
During the season these squads met three times with the OKC Thunder winning two of the three games. However, all three matches occurred prior to the trade deadline when the Rockets went all-in on small-ball.
The postseason history between the OKC Thunder and Rockets includes two previous serious. The infamous 2013 series when Patrick Beverley injured Russell Westbrook. Although the Thunder won Westbrook was injured and it essentially stopped what OKC had hoped would be another run for a title.
In 2017 the teams met again with the Rockets winning this time around in a gentleman’s sweep.
5 keys to victory over Rockets. dark. Next
Enjoy the game Thunder Nation and check back afterward for player grades and takeaways.