Thunder vs Rockets: Pregame Primer

vs.

Thunder (18-19, 7-12 road) vs. Rockets (27-12, 13-6 home)

TV: TNT
Stream:  Click here
Radio:  WWLS The Sports Animal (98.1 FM, 640 AM, 1300 AM The Buzz Tulsa)
Time: 7:00 CT

Offensive Rating: Thunder – 104.2 (21st), Rockets – 106.3 (14th)
Defensive Rating: Thunder – 103.4 (7th), Rockets – 110.1 (27th)

The Thunder is back on the floor tonight after five days off. The team is in Houston tonight facing a team on the second night of a back-to-back (Houston lost in Orlando last night 120-113).

This game features some old friends and foes, none more notable than James Harden and Patrick Beverley. March 11, 2014 is the only game Russell Westbrook and Beverley have both played since their collision in the 2013 playoffs that injured Westbrook’s knee. Westbrook finished with 24 points, seven assists and four steals; Beverley – two points and three assists. The Thunder won 106-98.

In the only previous meeting this season the Rockets defeated the Thunder 69-65 in a game minus KD and Russ on the floor, but not without some drama. Beverley was doing Beverley things and Brooks had seen enough. Bench’s cleared as he came on the floor to address official Danny Crawford. KD used this time to throw some choice words at Dwight Howard before heading back to the bench.

Everyone’s on the floor tonight, and the Thunder really needs the win.

Welcome Back. (Frank Underwood voice)

3 Big Things

1. Energy. With five days off you would think OKC would come out with fresh legs and a renewed sense of urgency against a team that played 24 hours ago in a different time zone. The Thunder has shown that it can REALLY shut down this Rockets attack when everyone is rotating and helping in unison.

2. Roberson vs Harden. James is without a doubt a top contender for MVP this season — he currently leads the league in points per game (26.9). It’s no secret; a big part of Harden’s offensive game is getting to the free throw line. He currently leads the league in both attempts and makes making this a real challenge for Roberson. But we’ve seen Dre’ play lockdown defense this year and tonight is another opportunity to prove his value. Harden leads the league in turnovers, and with Roberson’s length and quickness he should be able to make things tough for him. Keeping Harden out of the lane is priority one in slowing down Houston’s offense.

3. Pace. Houston loves to push the ball at home and run for 3’s. It’s imperative that Westbrook plays within himself despite the inevitable antics from Beverley. Turning the ball over against Houston means quick baskets and keeps the crowd in it. The turnover battle will go a long way in deciding this game. The Thunder has the athletes and the matchups to control this game, question is will they?

Friday’s COTN: “The 5 day break calls for yoga and acupunctures.” –@OohWeeItsVelvetHoop

#NoDaysOff

Tip at 7:00. Go Play Defense.