Game 5 between the OKC Thunder – Houston Rockets is set for 5:30 p.m. CT with Russell Westbrook expected to make his series debut.
After three days of inactivity, the OKC Thunder and Houston Rockets will return to the hardcourt to play the fifth game in their first-round series.
The original match that was set for Wednesday, August 26th was postponed following the Bucks refusal to take the court in protest of Jacob Blake’s shooting in Milwaukee. For the past three days, the NBA went dark as the players and Board of Governors combined efforts to ensure their efforts in the bubble provided actionable results in the battle to reform social and racial injustice.
For a brief period, it seemed possible the season could come to a screeching halt. Instead, the stakeholders paused, took a breath, and figured out how to be proactive instead of reactive. In a joint statement from the BoG and NBPA, a trio of initiatives top the list of actionable items the groups can expedite.
That means the three clubs who were set to play on Wednesday will take to the ESPN Wide World of Sports arenas today. The Milwaukee Bucks will look to join the other three Eastern clubs (Celtics, Raptors, Heat) who’ve already secured their second-round berth via sweeps. Likewise, the Lakers will seek to clinch their berth in the night match versus the Blazers who’ll be without star Damian Lillard.
Everything you need to know about OKC Thunder – Rockets Game 5
Luguentz Dort has been the OKC Thunder x-factor through three of the four games in the series limiting James Harden. Some items have changed since the T.I.’s original Game 5 preview which is outlined below. The most critical point in the mix is former OKC Thunder superstar Russell Westbrook is expected to make his series debut. His presence will undoubtedly change the dynamics of the match and OKC Thunder coach Billy Donovan’s defensive schemes.
Odds predictions:
Not surprisingly with the expectation of Westbrook’s return the oddsmakers changed upped the ante. The original spread of 3.5 points increases to 5.0 points in favor of the Rockets.
The over/under remains 225 points after dropping to 219 in Game 4. The best money lines also changed significantly with the expected Westbrook return.
On Wednesday the best Thunder money line was plus145 and it vaults to plus 850 while the Rockets best money line shifts from is minus 154 to minus 1111.
Clearly, the Vegas crew believe Westbrook will make a profound difference positively for Houston.
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- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
While Thunder Nation has witnessed the Brodie take over on many occasions we’ve also seen how emotional he can get in these matches. If the game was in Chesapeake it might be more difficult for Russ, but in the bubble, it might have no effect at all.
We’ll find out at 5:30 p.m. CT.
Injuries:
OKC Thunder:
Deonte Burton has been suffering from a stomach ailment and is listed as questionable for Saturday.
Houston Rockets:
Russell Westbrook has missed the last six games with a quadriceps strain but is expected to make his series debut.
Game specifics:
The series is knotted at two games apiece with meaning it’s become a best of three series. Although the winner of this game isn’t guaranteed to take the series, the winners of Game 5 typically go on to win over 75 percent of the time.
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
Following the games, Thunderous Intentions offered player grades and three takeaways from the four previous games.
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.
Check back after the game for Thunderous Intentions player grades from Game 5 and the three takeaways will follow in the morning.