This is already the third time this season that the Rockets have faced the Thunder. We're pretty familiar with them. They killed us in OKC, and we pulled out a close one in Houston. Now, the Rockets look to actually win a road game against a good team. Once again, no jump today. Finals, man. They're killer.
Onto the matchups...
PG: Kyle Lowry vs. Russell Westbrook:
I knew Westbrook would be good. But this good? 24/9/5/2? That's incredible. If Lowry can slow him down even a little, that will help a ton.
Advantage: Thunder
SG: Kevin Martin vs. Thabo Sefolosha:
Thabo is long and could make K-Mart's night tough. K-Mart had 40 against Cleveland then didn't play well against the Kings. Nice time for a bounce-back game.
Advantage: Rockets
SF: Shane Battier vs. Kevin Durant:
It's Kevin Durant. 'Nuff said.
Advantage: Thunder
PF: Luis Scola vs. Jeff Green:
I like the Georgetown product, and he's been playing better of late. He'll spread the floor and force Luis to move around. I still like Luis in this one.
Advantage: Rockets
C: Chuck Hayes vs. Serge Ibaka:
Krstic is ruled out, so Ibaka will start. He's averaging 10/6 but is athletic and could grab a bunch of offensive boards if the Rockets don't box him out.
Advantage: Even
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Bench:
Thunder: D.J. White, James Harden, Eric Maynor, Nick Collison, Royal Ivey
Rockets: Ish Smith, Courtney Lee, Brad Miller, Jordan Hill, Chase Budinger, Jared Jeffries
Advantage: Even
Injuries:
Thunder: Nenad Krstic out
Rockets: Brooks out, Yao out
Prediction: Rockets hang for a half, lose
Rockets vs Thunder coverage