With their backs against the wall, the OKC Thunder prepares for Game 3 versus the Rockets. Here’s everything you need to know.
It has been something of a magical season for the OKC Thunder. After trading away a franchise cornerstone superstar and his superstar partner the franchise appeared headed toward the tank or the rebuild.
Instead, the team steadily grew and meshed finding a cohesion that placed the Thunder among the NBA’s best especially in the period of the schedule after Thanksgiving.
At the series start, it was thought the Thunder and Rockets would be a long series with either club capable of winning. With news Russell Westbrook would be out it buoyed the Thunder fanbase who believed his absence would benefit the Thunder.
Instead, the Rockets have significantly raised their defensive level, seem to be one step ahead of the Thunder on every strategic choice and OKC has oddly struggled to deal with the Rockets switching defense
Following the games, Thunderous Intentions offered player grades and three takeaways.
Game 1: click here for grades | click here for three takeaways.
Game 2: click here for grades | click here for 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:
Injuries:
Houston Rockets:
For the fifth consecutive game and third of the postseason, Russell Westbrook will not play due to a strained quadriceps muscle.
On Friday, the Rockets confirmed the former OKC Thunder superstar did some work in the gym but non-contact work and hasn’t progressed to be ready to play yet.
With the Rockets up 2-0 in the series, it’s a wise decision not to rush Westbrook back. There is no sense of urgency to get him on the court so the team and Westbrook can bring him back slowly to ensure his quad fully heals and prevent further or future injury.
OKC Thunder:
With Luguentz Dort returning for Game 2 from his knee sprain injury it meant the team had a full complement of players.
Although Billy Donovan confirmed there were no minutes restrictions he exercised caution with Dort down the stretch causing a few analysts to scratch our heads. With so much at stake and no minutes restrictions, why not play Dort an extra minute or two to make a last charge to close the gap and set up a clutch time situation (game within five points in final five minutes).
The rationale is understandable if there was concern overutilizing Dort could set back his injury or ability to play in future games. Then again, with no restrictions why hold a player for a future game that might not even happen if Game 2 fell by the wayside?
Odds predictions:
The oddsmakers favor the Rockets in Game 3 by three points. The over/under is 224 while the best money lines are +135 for the OKC Thunder and -146 for the Rockets.
Game specifics:
Houston Rockets Record/Seed: 44-28 – fourth seed, in West due to winning Southwest Division.
OKC Thunder Record/Seed: 44-28, the fifth seed in the West
The Venue: Walt Disney World Resort. HP Field House.
Tipoff: 6:00 PM ET | 5:00 PM CT
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- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
National TV: ESPN | TNT | NBA League Pass
Local TV: Fox Sports Oklahoma
Radio: WWLS 98.1 FM OKC
History:
These squads met three times during the regular season with the OKC Thunder winning two of the three.
This postseason is the first time the clubs have met since Rockets GM Daryl Morey restructured the team into the small-ball format.
Twice previously the clubs met int he postseason with each winning once. OKC took the 2013 series while the Rockets won the 2017 series.
Enjoy the game Thunder Nation and check back afterward for player grades and takeaways.