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Game 49: Houston Rockets At Oklahoma City Thunder Preview

By Brian K. Patterson

Nov 2, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) dribbles against Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza (1) in the third quarter at Toyota Center. Rocket won 110 to 105. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) dribbles against Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza (1) in the third quarter at Toyota Center. Rocket won 110 to 105. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Whew — Wednesday night was just painful watch Houston Rockets’ fans!

The San Antonio Spurs put a stinger on us that I’m sure  will smart for quite some time.

When we thought the Rockets had turned a corner with the Josh Smith re-acquisition, that tail-whipping the Spurs gave us indicates that we still have a ways to go with hanging with the big dogs.

We’ll get there but I’m positive it’s not a matter of if but a matter of when and if it will be too late in the season to turn that corner.

The Rockets face the 35-13 Oklahoma City Thunder tonight and they’ve been on a roll since we last faced them.

Westbrook and Durant have been primarily healthy and that has led to fuel to team’s surge upward.

This will be a true test for the Rockets just like Wednesday night and I’m hoping for the win tonight.

The Rockets have all the tools to succeed but it’s a matter of they’re utilized in the manner to grab the “W.”

So who’s leading the charge for the Thunder?

More from House of Houston

Kevin Durant is the leading scorer (27.o PPG) and top board-getter (7.9 RPG).  Russell Westbrook is the assist man (9.8 APG) and steals king (2.40 SPG).  Serge Ibaka  is the lead shot-blocker (2.10 BPG).

Let’s talk about what the Thunder do well.

They’re offensively potent.  The Thunder are ranked No. 2 in the NBA in offensive efficiency, scoring 109.8 points per 100 possessions.

They’re relentless with their rebounding.  The Thunder are ranked No. 1 in the NBA as far as rebound rate (53.9).

They’re extremely effective shooters.  The Thunder are 3rd in the league in effective field goal percentage (52.1) and 3rd in true shooting percentage (56.4).

Injuries:

If you’ve been under a rock lately, Donatas Motiejunas‘ back issues have flared up again.  He has planned to sit out until he’s pain-free so no specific timeline has been set.  This is such a setback to a guy that’s been working so hard to get back into a rhythm.  There was no structural damage to the back itself so he may be back sooner than we think but he may not.  We just have to cross our fingers for a speedy recovery.

Sam Dekker had back surgery back in November but the 2015 first-round pick seems to be edging closer to a return.  He was seen shooting on the practice court for the first time since heading to the injured list.  This is certainly a sign of good things to come.

Cameron Payne suffered a concussion during Wednesday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves and did not return.  He has been ruled OUT for tonight.

Sources:  Jenny Dial Creech/Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, Calvin Watkins of ESPN.com and Anthony Slater of the Oklahoman.

Next: Possible Landing Spots For Terrence Jones?

Three Things to Watch:

  1. Patrick Beverley vs. Russell Westbrook
  2. Trevor Ariza vs. Kevin Durant
  3. Clint Capela vs. Serge Ibaka
  4. (Bonus)  Steven Adams vs. Dwight Howard
  5. (Double-Bonus)  James Harden vs. Dion Waiters

Prediction:

110-106 in a Rockets’ win!

The Rockets are on the road to take on the Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST.

The game will be televised on ROOT Sports Southwest/NBA TV and broadcast on SportsTalk 790 AM (KBME) and La Ranchera 850 AM (KEYH) in Spanish.

Go Rockets!

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