It’s going to be one hell of a matchup when the Houston Rockets pay the Oklahoma City Thunder a visit at the Chesapeake Energy Arena.
The Rockets will look to get back on track in this one and get back over the .500 mark with a win tonight. The Thunder, meanwhile, seem to have relocated their dominant form as they march into this game as winners of their last four. Which team emerges victorious in this one?
[sc:NBA250 ] Read on below for a closer look at this promising Western Conference showdown. And if you’re into hockey as well, check out our preview of the Detroit Red Wings vs. Tampa Bay Lightning.
[sc:NBAArticles ]Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Preview
Where: Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
When: Tuesday, March 22, 2016, 8:00 PM ET
Line: Houston Rockets at Oklahoma City Thunder – view all NBA lines
TV Broadcast: TNT
Betting on the Houston Rockets (35-35)
The Houston Rockets are in desperation mode, as they continue to make a late playoff push with 12 games remaining on their schedule.
[sc:NBA250 ]Lately, things have been far from consistent for the Rockets, who enter this game against the Oklahoma City Thunder having split their last four games. Their latest loss came on the road against Atlanta last weekend, 109-97. In that game, the fourth quarter proved to be the difference-maker as Houston allowed the Hawks to outscore them by 13 points.
Making matters worse, James Harden went down in that game with a twisted ankle during the third period. He managed to play through the pain, but his status for tonight’s game versus his former team remains up in the air.
With or without Harden, the Rockets can’t afford to lose any confidence. They really need to win this one as they are currently tied with Dallas for the seventh spot in the Western Conference. That said, the onus is on Trevor Ariza and Dwight Howard to lead the attack especially if Harden sits out this game.
Ariza’s not really known for his scoring prowess, but he can get hot on certain occasions. He’s putting up 12.4 points per game and is shooting 37.1 percent from the three-point line. Howard, meanwhile, will be doing the damage inside the paint. Howard, who won’t be suspended for his Stickum Spray incident, is averaging 17.9 points and 12.1 rebounds across 27 career games opposite Oklahoma City.
Also, the recently-signed Michael Beasley should be able to add some much-needed scoring punch for the Rockets. He’s scored in double-figures in his last six games, including a 30-point outburst in the loss to Atlanta.
Houston is 5-5 SU and 6-4 ATS in its previous 10 road games.
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Betting on the Oklahoma City Thunder (48-22)
Even knowing that the Houston Rockets might be shorthanded later, the Oklahoma City Thunder won’t be showing any mercy at all. The Thunder head into this matchup as winners of their previous four contests and Russell Westbrook, in particular, has been on a rampage.
In that four-game run, the 27-year-old point guard is averaging ridiculous numbers of 18.7 points, 10.2 rebounds and 11.2 assists. Westbrook’s also put up three triple-doubles in that stretch, and he might just be able to continue this onslaught opposite a Rockets’ defense that’s giving up 109.9 points on the road this season, the fourth-highest in the league.
Of course, Westbrook won’t be the only problem for Houston. There’s still Kevin Durant, who can certainly light it up from almost anywhere on the floor. The former MVP is averaging 28.0 points, 8.3 boards and 4.9 assists. Durant also scored 33 points with 12 rebounds in their last meeting with the Rockets on January 29. The Thunder won that game, 116-108.
Over on defense, Durant and co. should be able to keep the Rockets below their usual average especially if Harden doesn’t suit up. The Thunder have been a pretty good defensive club at home, giving up 100.0 points per game (11th in the league).
OKC is 6-4 SU and 4-4-2 ATS in its last 10 home games.
Writer’s Prediction
OKC wins, but they don’t cover the spread if James Harden is able to play.
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