Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder game preview

The Houston Rockets face the Oklahoma City Thunder in a matchup where schedule rest and injuries play a major factor. The Rockets enter the contest playing on the second night of a back-to-back, while the Thunder have been off since Wednesday. Writer Armin Khansari predicts a Thunder victory, arguing the media will overlook Houston's fatigue and injury circumstances.

Both teams carry lengthy injury reports heading into the game. Houston lists Steven Adams as out, with Alperen Sengun, Marcus Smart, Reed Sheppard, and Fred VanVleet designated as game-time decisions. Oklahoma City has ruled out several players, including Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace, Nikola Topic, Thomas Sorber, and Alex Caruso.