Preview 33 of 82: Thunder @ Rockets

Time: 2:00 PM CST

TV: ABC

Game Notes: Thunder / Rockets

The Oklahoma City Thunder (21-11) are in Houston for a Christmas Day showdown with James Harden and the Rockets (17-15). The Thunder enter as the number three team in the Western Conference and won the first matchup between the teams this season. The slow-starting Rockets have made their way into eighth in the West — but will be without the injured Chris Paul today.

Tip-off is at 2:00 P.M. CST and will be televised nationally on ABC. The game is a pick’em according to Odds Shark.


Injury Report

Thunder

  • Andre Roberson: Out — Knee

Rockets

  • Chris Paul: Out — Hamstring
  • James Ennis: Out — Hamstring
  • Carmelo Anthony: Out — Dismissed

Probable Starters

Rockets: James Harden, Eric Gordon, Danuel House, PG Tucker, Clint Capela


Statistics

Advanced

 ORTGDRTGNET RTGPACEPIE
OKC108.11026.1103.5352.8
HOU112.1111.40.796.7948.1

Four Factors

TeamEFGFTA%TO%OREB%OP EFGOP FTAOP TOOP OREB
OKC51.00.27114.631.450.80.26117.626.2
HOU53.20.28114.828.953.10.29715.030.6

Merry Christmas. Hoops has become part of the annual Christmas tradition in Oklahoma City — a time to gather with those we love and cheer for the destruction of the Thunder’s enemies. On a day that can all-too-easily be derailed by questions about your love life or your uncle’s explanation of why we need a wall on the southern border — it’s always nice to have this one thing we can agree on.

Whether you’re celebrating the holiday or simply enjoying the day off from work, we hope it’s a good one. I’d write an appropriate preview but my mom will slap me if I don’t get off the computer. You understand.

Rob will be in after the game with your recap. Merry Christmas, friends.