OKC Thunder – Rockets Game 5: Everything you need to know
The OKC Thunder and Rockets are knotted 2-2 with Game 5 pivotal in seizing control. Here’s everything you need to know.
By winning Game 4 the OKC Thunder took care of business by evening the series. Now it’s down to a best of three series. When the Rockets jumped out to a 2-0 lead it looked like the Thunder weren’t as well suited to play the small-ball Rockets as they were the prior iteration of their club that had Clint Capela at center.
In truth, it was more about the Thunder figuring out how to address the switch everything defense the Rockets employ while they pack the paint to cut off scoring inside. By Game 3 things shifted as the two things happened. First and most importantly the trio of Thunder point guards figured out how to make their offense work. All three are excelling, combining for 78 points in Game 3 and 74 in Game 4.
The second factor was Luguentz Dort and his defense on James Harden. While he wasn’t as effective in Game 4 he’s still better than anyone has been on the league’s top scorer and it had to be expected Harden would make some adjustments — he’s just too smart not to figure out some ways he can improve against the youngster.
In spite of picking up a fifth foul early in the fourth quarter, Dort played with a veteran’s savvy and remained on the court to finish the game without drawing another foul.
This game will definitely dial up the intensity as the winners of Game 5 winners typically go on to win the series 75 percent of the time.
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.
Game 3: click here for grades | click here for three takeaways.
Game 4: 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:
Related Story. 3 Rockets to keep an eye on in the series. light
Injuries:
Houston Rockets:
Russell Westbrook hasn’t played for the last six games including all four in the series. As of this posting, the Houston Rockets and Mike D’Antoni have not updated his status. He’s listed as out indefinitely on the injury report.
OKC Thunder:
Both Luguentz Dort and Steven Adams played in Game 4 with no reason to believe they’ll miss Game 5.
Deonte Burton missed the last game and is questionable for Game 5 with a stomach ailment.
Odds predictions:
Despite a second consecutive victory by the OKC Thunder to even the series the oddsmakers haven’t shifted off making the Rockets the favorites.
Game 5 emulates the Game 4 spread of 3.5 points for the Rockets.
The over/under is upgraded to 225 points after dropping to 219 in Game 4. The best money lines are similar to what they’ve been throughout the series. For the Thunder, the best money line is plus 145 and the Rockets is minus 154.
If there is something to take from the constancy of the line the oddsmakers are 1) happy with the action they’re getting on these lines and 2) they simply believe the Rockets should be the club winning the games.
That’s okay lots of people haven’t believed in this team so why should the odds setter be any different.
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, the fifth seed in the West
Series: Everying is all knotted with the Rockets winning Games 1 and 2, while the OKC Thunder won Game 3 in overtime and Game 4.
The Venue: Walt Disney World Resort. The Field House Arena.
Tipoff: 6:30 PM ET | 5:30 PM CT
National TV: TNT | NBA League Pass
Local TV: Fox Sports Oklahoma
Radio: WWLS 98.1 FM OKC
History:
As this series continues on, it will add to the history between the squads and it’s highly likely this series is going to start getting more physical and the players will display more angst toward each other.
Thunder Nation can sense there the brewing rivalry as things got chippier in Game 4 and with the Rockets complaining about Chris Paul‘s inadvertent elbow in Game 3 the hints of dislike are seeping out.
While there is a history of these teams not liking each other the only players still on the teams from their playoff series in 2013 and 2017 are James Harden on the Rockets while Steven Adams and Andre Roberson are still with the OKC Thunder.
In their three regular-season meetings the OKC Thunder won two of three contests.
5 keys to victory over Rockets. dark. Next
Let’s cheer on our squad Thunder Nation and hope to take the lead for the first time in this series. Check back post-game for player grades and takeaways.