The NBA Cup Semifinal between Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Houston Rockets game will be played on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 8:30 PM ET, at T-Mobile Arena. The Thunder have been incredible so far, sitting at the top of the Western Conference with a 19-5 record. They’re currently on a four-game winning streak, with their latest victory coming in the NBA Cup Quarterfinals against the Dallas Mavericks, 118-104.
The Rockets are also playing great, have a 17-8 record, and are in second place in the West. They just pulled off an exciting 91-90 comeback win over the Golden State Warriors in their NBA Cup Quarterfinal. These two teams have already faced off twice this season: the Thunder won the first game 126-107 on November 8, while the Rockets took the latest matchup 119-116 on December 1. Overall, the Thunder and Rockets have met 240 times in the regular season, with the Thunder leading the series 122-118.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Houston Rockets: Prediction
The Thunder are putting up impressive numbers this season, averaging 115.8 points per game, which ranks 10th in the NBA. Defensively, they’ve been solid, allowing just 103.8 points per game, the second-lowest in the league. However, rebounding has been a weak point, as they grab 43.8 boards per game (16th in the NBA) but allow a high 47.9, ranking them second-worst. From beyond the arc, they’re hitting 14.0 threes per game (12th) but struggle with a 35.0% shooting percentage, which puts them in 19th place.
The Rockets score 112.7 points per game, good for 15th in the league, and they’re also solid defensively, allowing 105.9 points per game, which is the third-best in the NBA. When it comes to rebounding, they’re dominant, leading the league with 49.4 boards per game, though they do allow 44.0 rebounds, ranking 14th. However, their three-point shooting has been a struggle—making only 11.7 threes per game (23rd) with a low 32.7% shooting rate, placing them 28th in the NBA.
Also Read: Ranking All 30 NBA Teams Starting Centers From WORST To FIRST For The 2024-25 Season
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Houston Rockets: Probable Starting Lineups
Here are the expected lineups for both teams.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NBA stories via Google! Follow Us
Oklahoma City Thunder
PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
SG Cason Wallace
SF Luguentz Dort
PF Jalen Williams
C Isaiah Hartenstein
Houston Rockets
PG Fred VanVleet
SG Jalen Green
SF Dillon Brooks
PF Jabari Smith Jr.
C Alperen Sengun
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Houston Rockets: Injuries Update
The Thunder have a few players out, including Adam Flagler, Ousmane Dieng, and Chet Holmgren, all sidelined with finger and hip injuries. Nikola Topic is out for the season with an ACL tear, and Jaylin Williams is questionable with a hamstring issue.
The Rockets, however, have no reported injuries. Jalen Green leads the team with 19.2 points per game, followed by Alperen Sengun at 18.8 points and 10.6 rebounds. Fred VanVleet also contributes 15.6 points and 5.9 assists, while Dillon Brooks and Amen Thompson add 12.6 and 11.8 points per game, respectively.
Also Read: Ranking All 30 NBA Teams After Week 7 Games
