Match details

Fixture: Houston Rockets vs Oklahoma City Thunder

Date & Time: Thursday, January 9, 2019, 9:30 PM ET (Friday, 2:30 AM GMT)

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Venue: Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City

Preview

All eyes will be on one man when Houston Rockets travel to Oklahoma City to face the Thunder. The deadline day of the preseason trade window saw the Rockets and the Thunder make a blockbuster trade deal involving an exchange of Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul.

Westbrook established himself as one of the greatest players to have played in Oklahoma City during his 11 years at the franchise. A warm welcome awaits Westbrook when he steps into the City for the first time in a Rockets jersey. In his Rockets career so far, Westbrook has averaged 24.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and 7 assists per game playing alongside James Harden.

With Westbrook and Harden in the line-up, the Rockets have accumulated 25 wins after 36 games. They are currently third in the Western Conference with a 0.694 record.

Their Thursday’s opponents are seventh in the Western Conference- a position they would be pleased to be in after losing Russell Westbrook and Paul George in the pre-season.

Chris Paul will be another player who will be meeting his old friends. He is averaging 17.1 points and 7.2 assists per game with his new team.

Injury updates and team news

Oklahoma City Thunder

Injuries: Danilo Gallinari (Calf)- Out, Andre Roberson (Knee)- Out, Nerlens Noel- Out

Expected starting line-up: Chris Paul, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Terrance Ferguson, Darius Bazley, Steven Adams

Houston Rockets-

Injuries: Gerald Green (Foot)- Out,

Expected starting line-up: James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Danuel House, PJ Tucker, Clint Capela

Predictions

Oklahoma City Thunder have won six of their last seven games and 15 out of their last 20. But the Rockets are not the easiest of teams to beat. With Westbrook looking to put up a good performance, the Rockets might post their 26th win of the season.