Thunder vs Rockets: Pregame Primer

vs.

Rockets (52-24, 24-14 road) vs. Thunder (42-34, 27-10 home)

TV: ABC
Stream: Click here
Radio: WWLS The Sports Animal (98.1 FM, 640 AM, 1300 AM The Buzz Tulsa)
Time: 12:00 CT

Offensive Rating: Thunder – 107.2 (11th), Rockets – 106.6 (12th)
Defensive Rating: Thunder – 105.0 (14th), Rockets – 103.3 (8th)

The Thunder got some help last night from its division-mates, the Portland Trailblazers, who knocked off the Pelicans giving the Thunder a little cushion in that 8th spot. Today the Thunder have a chance to put the clamps on that spot given the Pelicans’ upcoming schedule.

The Rockets come in as the 2 seed, .5 games ahead of the Grizzlies. Former Thunder buddy James Harden is a viable MVP candidate and will look to keep the Rockets firmly in that spot in his second visit to the Peake this year. Unfortunately, Patrick Beverley is out of this one (and the rest of the season) after tearing ligaments in his wrist. Beverley tried to get a steal as the opposing point guard stopped to call a timeout and when as he reached in the injury occurred.

*for those new to sarcasm and eternal bitterness, that last sentence is 100 percent false.

3 Big Things

1. Limit Turnovers

2. Make Harden a Jump Shooter

3. Rebound

Friday’s COTN: “I just hope someone new scores 32 so I can update my username” – @67 players had 32 pts this year PJ3 Suxs *Tvaddic*

first off, I just wanted to type out that username (and I nailed it). secondly, if Kyle Singler goes for 32, ever, I expect every one of you to change your usernames for a minimum of 5 games.

Tip at 12:00 CT. Go Easter Thunday.