OKC Thunder – Houston Rockets home and home series – Nov. 29 preview

Key matchup:

It’s important not to stare at the record of the Rockets and ignore the talent on their roster. Houston like the OKC Thunder is restructuring and with that agenda, many new faces arrived. That means it’ll take a while for this young group to develop chemistry and mesh in their system.

Moreover, with the exit of James Harden, head coach Stephen Silas has tweaked the Rockets playing schemes and style.  The most obvious change is the Rockets no longer attempt the most 3-pointers. In fact, they aren’t even in the top 10. Rather, they are in the middle of the league attempting the 14th most 3-pointers.

Clearly, Silas has adapted the system building more around his speedy guards Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green and their talented forward-center Christian Wood.

For this series, it’s unlikely Green will play as he’s dealing with a leg injury. Without him, the Rockets have won two games in a row. Perhaps that’s the presence of a few more mature players like Eric Gordon getting additional playing time. Gordon can serve as a calming force and help get the offense set up.

This also means the primary focus for the Thunder in these next two games is Wood. The six-year pro is averaging a near double-double this season.

Specifically, 16.4 points, 9.4 rebounds (1.8 offensive boards) 2.4 assists, and 0.9 blocks per game. He’s shooting 46.1 percent on 13.6 field goal attempts and 33.3 percent from the perimeter on 4.6 attempts from behind the arc.

In four of his last five games, Wood has registered double-doubles, and without Green available, he’ll become an even greater emphasis for the Rockets offense.

The two Thunder players likely to draw the defensive task on Wood will be Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Darius Bazley.

While the Thunder will be focused on Wood and limiting Kevin Porter Jr. the Rockets will have to deal with the Thunder backcourt.

Josh Giddey and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander pose problems for the Rockets. First, they’re missing Green which puts more emphasis on Porter Jr. (who isn’t a strong defender).

Second, Silas has been utilizing different lineups that don’t necessarily feature a prototypical point guard giving Porter Jr.  the nod to run the offense.

Veteran DJ Augustin is the only “point guard” on the Rockets. Of course there is John Wall who isn’t playing – –  although there is news this week he wants to play.

Silas has shifted recently to using two-way player Garrison Matthews and then has a slew of shooting guards like Porter, Gordon, and Armoni Brooks.

Suffice to say, Shai and Josh should have a couple of fun days at the office this week.