The OKC Thunder will face the Houston Rockets on the road at 6:30 p.m. CST Thursday.
OKC (34-7) delivered a statement in a 119-98 home win over the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday. The Thunder will be without Isaiah Hartenstein (right soleus strain) for a 10th straight game.
Houston (23-14) snapped a three-game skid with a 119-113 home win over the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday. The Rockets are led by former Thunder star Kevin Durant.
Here’s everything you need to know about Thursday’s game between the Thunder and Rockets:
Order our new book on Thunder’s run to NBA title
What time is Thunder vs Rockets game tonight?
- Date: Thursday, Jan. 15
- Time: 6:30 p.m. CST
- Where: Toyota Center in Houston
What channel is OKC Thunder vs Houston Rockets on tonight?
Thunder vs Rockets predictions, picks
Justin Martinez: OKC 116, Houston 111
OKC has struggled to keep up on the boards without Isaiah Hartenstein. And that could be a problem against an oversized Houston team that leads the NBA in both offensive rebounds per game (16.4) and total rebounds per game (49.1). But I’m still going with OKC, which showed why it’s the best team in basketball during its recent win over San Antonio. The Thunder’s Big Three is playing at an elite level, and it’ll have a significant advantage in the depth department against the Rockets. That should be enough to earn a narrow road win.
Thunder vs Rockets betting odds
Odds via BetMGM as of Thursday, Jan. 15
- Odds: Thunder by 4.5
- Over/under: 222.5
- Moneyline: OKC -180 | Houston +145
Thunder vs Rockets injury updates
- Thunder: Lu Dort (left foot soreness) is questionable. Isaiah Hartenstein (right soleus strain) is out. Thomas Sorber (right ACL surgical recovery) is out. Nikola Topić (surgical recovery) is out.
- Rockets: Isaiah Crawford (G League two-way) is out. Tari Eason (right ankle sprain) is out. Dorian Finney-Smith (left ankle injury management) is out. Tristen Newtown (G League two-way) is out. Fred VanVleet (right knee ACL repair) is out.
Projected OKC Thunder starters
Projected Houston Rockets starters
Justin Martinez covers the Thunder and NBA for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Justin? He can be reached at [email protected] or on X/Twitter at @Justintohoops. Sign up for the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter to access more NBA coverage. Support Justin’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
