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Houston Rockets Vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: Game 71: Sneak Peek Analysis

By Brian K. Patterson

Nov 16, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) drives to the basket in front of Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) drives to the basket in front of Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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The moment we’ve been waiting for is finally here Houston Rockets fans!

The moment we’ve been waiting for is finally here Houston Rockets fans!

Yes, the Houston Rockets will square off with the 41-30 Oklahoma City Thunder on a nationally-televised Sunday matinee where two of the league’s most valuable players — James Harden and Russell Westbrook — are the top-billing for today’s match up.

I think the MVP discussion could be wrapped up tonight, depending on how each of them not only perform individually but how they help their respective teams.

It’s a tight race between these two guys and will certainly be a tests of grit and wits as the NBA season heads toward the finish line.

They won’t be match up with each other that often but when they do, it will be fun to watch.

The Rockets currently hold the season series lead 2-1 and with this being the last game, they’ll be looking to put this one in the books.

Could this be a first-round match up preview?

We’ll have to see!

So what’s next?

So who’s leading the charge for the Thunder?

Who else do you think it’d be?!?  Russell Westbrook leads the team in scoring (31.2 PPG), rebounds (10.5 RPG), assists (10.4 APG) and steals (1.6 SPG).  Steven Adams is the team’s shot-blocker (1.0 BPG).

Let’s talk about what the Thunder do well.

Their team defense is extremely decent.  The Thunder are ranked 10th in defensive efficiency, allowing just 104.2 points per 100 possessions.

They’re rebounding beasts.  The Thunder are ranked 2nd in rebound rate, taking down a whopping 53.2 percent of missed shots.

They love to have the basketball in their hands.  The Thunder are ranked 7th in PACE, averaging 100.5 possessions per game.

Next: James Harden To Sign A Super-Max Deal In 2017?

Injuries:

Ryan Anderson sprained his right ankle after getting tangled up with DeMarcus Cousins Friday night against the New Orleans Pelicans.  There currently is no timetable for his return but I suspect they’re going to take their time because of the immense amount of depth we have on the roster.  We’ll miss his three-point shooting that he contributes but as this team has done all season, they find a way to persevere.

There are no injuries to report for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Source(s): Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle

Matchups to Watch:

  1. Patrick Beverley vs. Russell Westbrook
  2. Clint Capela vs. Steven Adams
  3. James Harden vs. Victor Oladipo

Prediction:

109-105 in a Houston Rockets’ win!

The Rockets are at home to take on the Thunder at Toyota Center.

Tip-off is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CDT.

The game will be televised on ABC and broadcast on SportsTalk 790 AM (KBME), Sirius 207, XM/SiriusXM 86 (Internet 890), National Broadcast: Sirius/XM/SiriusXM 80 (Internet 80) and La Ranchera 101.7 FM (KNTE) & 850 AM (KEYH) in Spanish.

Go Rockets!

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