Thunder Gameday: OKC Rematches Houston, But This Time at Home

Do you ever get Déjà vu?

For the Oklahoma City Thunder, tonight they will probably feel it.

After just defeating the Houston Rockets on Sunday 123-110, Oklahoma City will have another crack at a win, but this time it will be at home in Paycom Center. 

The duo of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren enjoyed quite the night together in that win, combining for an exceptional 65 points. The Rockets defense had zero answers for the pairing, as the two young stars stamped their greatness on the NBA once again. 

Oklahoma City was the third team to reach the 40-win mark so far this season, only behind the Boston Celtics and Minnesota Timberwolves — who it shares the same record with. It's been a shocking turnaround in quick fashion for the Thunder, cementing themselves as a true contender in the Western Conference.

Tonight it will just be another opportunity to establish that even further. 

ODDS:

The Thunder enter the day as 10.5-point favorites over the Rockets, and the total over/under is 233.5 points.

KEYS TO THE GAME:

In Sunday's win against Houston, everything went Oklahoma City's way.

The Thunder shot a highly efficient 48.6% from the 3-point line on the night, while also converting 14-of-15 free throws. Its offense ran through the Rocket defense nearly the entire game, which allowed Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren to have as wonderful of a performance as they did. 

Houston certainly has threats, such as a borderline All-Star in Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr. and Jalen Green, but it hasn't been able to put much together in a cohesive way throughout the season. Its in a strange spot of veterans and youth with no true direction, but the talent is there enough to cause some potential issues.

The Thunder can't rely on another 60+ point combination between two if its best players, but with how successful it was on Sunday, it shouldn't have an entirely difficult problem in coming out on top once again. 

RECORDS:

Oklahoma City Thunder (40-17) vs. Houston Rockets (25-32)

INJURIES:

Check out our live injury tracker, along with our game day injury report that will release later today.

WHEN:

Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024 at 9 p.m. CT

LOCATION:

Paycom Center - Oklahoma City, OK

TV/RADIO:

TNT, 98.1 FM The Sports Animal

Live Stream: fuboTV (Start Your Free Trial)

FINAL WORD:

Even though Oklahoma City just beat Houston Sunday night pretty convincingly, the opponent can never be counted out. That being said, if the Thunder has its way with the Rocket defense like it did in their last meeting, it should be another addition to its growing win column.

Following the game, the Thunder will head to San Antonio to meet the Spurs on Thursday, Feb. 29 at 7:30 p.m. CT.

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