The Oklahoma City Thunder will host the Houston Rockets on Saturday. This will be the third matchup of the season between the two squads. OKC has won the first two, with its latest victory happening on Jan. 15.
The Thunder (40-12) continue their journey without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. They punted to the San Antonio Spurs in a 116-106 loss on Wednesday amid the NBA trade deadline hoopla. Kenrich Williams scored 25 points and Jaylin Williams scored 24 points.
Meanwhile, the Rockets (31-19) are surrounded by bad vibes. They had a 109-99 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday. Kevin Durant had 31 points, but nobody else really showed up.
Well, it’s a doomsday scenario for the Thunder. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdominal strain) is out. Jalen Williams (hamstring strain) is out. Ajay Mitchell (abdominal strain) is out. Nikola Topic (testicular surgery) is out. Thomas Sorber (torn ACL) is out.
The Rockets have been hit with the injury bug, too. Fred VanVleet (torn ACL) is out. Steven Adams (ankle surgery) is out. Jae’Sean Tate (wrist contusion) is out. Tristen Newton (G League two-way) is out.
Tipoff from Oklahoma City is set for 2:30 p.m. CT
