OKC Thunder revenge time versus Rockets – preview

Key matchup:

Although there are young developing talents in the Rockets backcourt like rookie Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. the player who has demonstrated consistency and is the Rockets’ best talent at the moment is Christian Wood.

However, as noted above following the one-point loss to the Nuggets Wood seemed annoyed by the decision-making in the game. More specifically, his lack of touches or involvement at the game end when they ended up losing by a single point and he wasn’t a consideration to take the shot.

While it appeared he was pouting or making a point in the next game by not attempting a shot in the first half versus the Warriors that behavior seems to be continuing.

Case in point — through the first eight games Wood averaged 19.9 points on 15.8 shot attempts plus 12.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.0 blocks. He shot 47.6 percent from the field and 38.3 percent from deep taking 5.9 deep balls per game.

Including the Denver game when things seemingly switched with his averages dropping dramatically to 12 points on 11 shot attempts plus 8.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 0.3 blocks. His efficiency dropped along with his shot attempts to 42.4 percent from the field and 24 percent from deep taking 4.4 shot attempts.

It could be all coincidence but it does seem like something has dramatically shifted. If the forward elects to come out with aggression the OKC Thunder player who’ll likely be tasked with guarding him is Darius Bazley although Jeremiah Robinson-Earl could get some time on him as well.

Although Wood is the most intriguing matchup we’ll be dialed into the rookies who’ll be seeking to gain bragging rights versus each other. Specifically, watch for Green versus Josh Giddey and Sengun versus Robinson-Earl.