OKC Thunder host Rockets: The ultimate catch-22

As Intentions noted in the original matches it’s the ultimate catch 22 with these two games versus the Rockets. The OKC Thunder experienced it last season when the Clippers came into the then titled Chesapeake and proved better at tanking a game. That win likely cost OKC a higher pick.

Hindsight is 20-20 however as through the first quarter of the season few would trade for Jalen Green given the option. Not when Josh Giddey is proving to be the perfect backcourt partner to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. At 19 he’s showcasing maturity and high I.Q. and there is ample time for growth.

While we pondered over the potential of a raw talent like Aleksej Pokusevski there is none of that with Giddey who already has put his stamp on this team.

The reality is Sam Presti was likely more covetous of Cade Cunningham, Evan Mobley and some say Scottie Barnes (which given Presti’s draft acumen wouldn’t be surprising). That said, everyone is thrilled with Giddey.

Still, not every draft is as deep as the 2021 class, and messing around with draft position could be the difference between drafting Ja Morant second or Jarrett Culver sixth.  The difference between Ben Simmons and Dragan Bender — Karl-Anthony Towns and Willie Cauley Stein.

You get the point.

OKC Thunder host Houston Rockets for a pivotal second game this week

With that in mind, the OKC Thunder began this week one would presume with some slight trepidation. With the Rockets up twice and way ahead in draft positioning given their extra losses these two games could be pivotal at season end.

Everyone wants to win, it’s the competitive spirit in them. Following a recent loss rookie Giddey made the point they are so close to winning some of these games and while it sucks to lose they are gaining invaluable experience for down the road.

Still, if the Thunder were to split these two games as good as it might feel in the moment, in June when the draft happens if they end up allowing the Rockets to get the higher level prospect it won’t just sting it could be the difference in how quickly the team can begin re-ascending.

That’s not simply a matter of tanking – there is fundamental differences in the systems and schemes of the two franchises.

Which is to say, it’s much harder to build an identity and culture than it is to carry an established one forward.  Although the OKC Thunder are young Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, Darius Bazley, Isaiah Roby (to a lesser extent) and Mike Muscala were present during the last run.

They were part of the clutch time crew that became the Cinderella story of the 2019-20 season and came one made bucket in game 7 from progressing to the second round. There is a deeply embedded will to win in Oklahoma City and tanking is at the diametrically opposite end of that spectrum.

Moving to this evening since the teams just played there isn’t much use revisiting the matchup since the dynamics of the matchup on Monday remain the same. Intentions noted Christian Wood would be a problem and he sure was so it’s about figuring out countermeasures to address him and also to limit Kevin Porter Jr.  Or… is it?

If the Thunder wants to narrow the gap between themselves and the Rockets they may prefer to lose this game. I know, I know – this team is full of competitors and none of them will show up with the intent of losing.

So, it may come down to Sam Presti and Mark Daigneault having a little chat pre-game on small things the coach can do with the rotations to continue to allow the Thunder youngsters to grow but to finish with the “L” and a better shot at that top draft pick.

Entering the match the Thunder are positioned in the 26th position out of 30 teams. They have two more victories than each of the Rockets, Pistons, and Magic. They’ve also played between one and three fewer games than the Pistons (1), Magic (2), and Pelicans (3) with those games in the loss column.

Since the Rockets have won two of the three meetings a win by the Thunder would draw them even on the season but again, if the Thunder wants to control their draft position losing this match would give them an edge in terms of season-ending tiebreakers.

There are a few items to update on heading this contest.

Injuries:

• Jalen Green (leg) remains out for the Rockets
• DJ Augustin (quarantine) is out for Houston
• Mike Muscala (ankle) is questionable for the Thunder
• Kenrich Williams (ankle) is also questionable
• Derrick Favors (rest?) is listed as questionable presumably because OKC will rest him in one of the two games in the back-to-back set.

The game tips off at 7:00 p.m. Central and 8:00 pm Eastern. Fans can watch/listen to the game via the typical TV and Radio broadcasters (listed in the Game 1 preview link above).