Thunder vs Rockets NBA Picks
The Thunder are coming off a big game against San Antonio the night before and are hitting the road which is never easy. They are walking wounded these days too so as nice it would be to finish strong they are looking to get healthy as much as anything else. [ad-4468020]
Oklahoma City Thunder (55-19) vs. Houston Rockets (49-25)
Friday April 4
Toyota Center – Houston, TX
9:30PM
Spread: OFF (As of 1:30AM ET)
Total: OFF (As of 1:30AM ET)
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Oklahoma City
The Rockets are in the same boat so as much as this could be a playoff preview there are lot of principles who might not suit up for this one.
Russell Westbrook is playing against San Antonio so the odds are he will sit this one out.
Normally that might not be too big a deal but backup Reggie Jackson is dealing with back issues so be sure to get as much information as you can before you get down either way. With only a couple weeks away it is looking like Kevin Durant has the scoring title locked up.
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If you haven’t noticed he is having his best season ever.
This one has a huge chance for a letdown after they snapped the Spurs 19 game winning streak last night.
I like the Thunder to be riding high and get away with a victory but it will be a lot closer than last night. Watch the reports to see if Westbrook does play, it could make all the difference in maintaining the momentum.
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Houston
The Rockets look like they are running out of fuel.
They have two injured starters and have lost their last three games heading into this one. Like OKC they are just looking to get healthy as they can not catch the Spurs and have a lead over Dallas that looks pretty insurmountable with so few games left to play.
They have only lost 8 games at home all season but they have struggled with OKC lately losing 4 in a row and 7 of 9.
James Harden is capable of winning games nearly on his own but so far that hasn’t happened lately. Over the three recent losses he has scored 32, 26 and 26 points but it hasn’t been enough. This is a high scoring team but at their best they are able to kick it in to Dwight Howard in the post.
Backup Omer Asik provides solid rebounding and defense but he is not the same type of offensive threat.
Houston is looking to break out of a slump at home but the Thunder are hardly an easy target.
The Rockets need to end the season with some momentum but I think this one will elude them.
They have struggled in the past against OKC and this will not be the time they solve that riddle, but they might cover in an emotional game that will have a playoff feel.
Score prediction: Oklahoma City 98 – Houston 97
