Kevin Durant’s return to Oklahoma can never be banal. Even more so if Thunder-Rockets represent a challenge at the top of the Western Conference, with OKC at the top of the standings and Houston currently occupying fourth position. Both are coming off a defeat, with the Thunder also having to deal with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s injury. The MVP of last NBA Regular Season is struggling with an abdominal strain suffered a few days ago and which will keep him on the sidelines at least until after next week’s All Star Break. On the other hand, Houston lost two home matches against Boston and Charlotte, especially highlighting problems in attack, finishing both games under 100 points scored.
THE NUMBERS: The Oklahoma City Thunder have the best offense in the NBA with 120.2 points scored per game, as well as the best defense in the entire league with 107.9 points allowed per game. With 43.8 rebounds per game the Thunder are mid-table in 16th place, as well as in assists they are in 18th place with 25.6 per game, demonstrating how the attack develops especially around the plays of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The Houston Rockets for their part have the 19th attack in the league with 115.2 points scored per game, a much better figure on the defensive level where they are fourth in the NBA with 110.1 points conceded every match. Houston is the best team for rebounds with almost 50 captured per game (49.9), while the assist data is rather negative. The Rockets are the fourth worst team in the NBA with just 24.8 assists per game, a figure which is affected by the injury of Fred Van Vleet, the man who should have led the Texans’ attack.
THE PREDICTION: Despite the absence of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Oklahoma City Thunder remain favorites in the match against Houston. OKC’s defense can take advantage of the offensive gaps of the Rockets, who must find chemistry on offense. The key man for the Texans’ offensive phase is Alperen Sengun, who has represented Houston’s attack perfectly in the last six games. The Rockets exceeded 115 points scored against Indiana alone and the Turk scored 39 with the Pacers. In the other five matches Sengun has never exceeded 18 points and against OKC he will have to rediscover his scoring verve to allow Houston to play for the victory.
THE OTHER COMPETITIONS
Brooklyn Nets (13-37) – Washington Wizards (14-36) (Ore 21:00 del 07/02)
San Antonio Spurs (35-16) – Dallas Mavericks (19-32) (00:00 on 08/02)
Orlando Magic (26-24) – Utah Jazz (16-36) (01:00 on 02/08)
Atlanta Hawks (26-27) – Charlotte Hornets (24-28) (Ore 01:30 del 08/02)
Chicago Bulls (24-28) – Denver Nuggets (33-19) (Ore 02:00 del 08/02)
Los Angeles Lakers (31-19) – Golden State Warriors (28-24) (Ore 02:30 del 08/02)
Phoenix Suns (31-21) – Philadelphia 76ers (29-22) (Ore 03:00 del 08/02)
Portland Trail Blazers (24-28) – Memphis Grizzlies (20-30) (Ore 04:00 del 08/02)
Sacramento Kings (12-41) – Cleveland Cavaliers (31-21) (Ore 04:00 del 08/02)
