The Houston Rockets face the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight in Game 2 of the first round of the playoffs. Despite the Rockets not having Russell Westbrook, the Thunder were no match for James Harden and co. The Rockets won by 15 points, while Harden scored 37 points.
Harden came up big in Game 1!
✔️ Win#OneMission l @reliantenergy pic.twitter.com/8BzFh3IyPm
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) August 19, 2020
The Thunder missed Lu Dort last game after he suffered a knee injury last week. In the bubble, he had emerged as one of their important players. His defensive effort and athleticism, especially during the victory against the Lakers, won over Thunder fans. He would have been vital for the Thunder to attempt to stop Harden.
Dort has been listed as questionable for tonight, and Thunder fans will be praying he is fit to play. They will also be missing Isaiah Roby who has been listed out for the game. So the expected lineup for the Thunder will be Chris Paul and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the guards. Terrance Ferguson and Danilo Gallinari as the forwards and Steven Adams as the center.
Can the Houston Rockets win again without Westbrook?
With Harden stepping up, the Rockets didn’t feel the absence of Westbrook. Eric Gordon and Jeff Green also chimed in with valuable contributions to see them through.
22 bench points in the win for Jeff Green!#OneMission l @reliantenergy pic.twitter.com/TqaxNmeVpa
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) August 19, 2020
The Rockets will also have an unchanged lineup. James Harden and Eric Gordon will start as the guards. Daniel House and Robert Covington as the forwards and P.J. Tucker as the center.
The Rockets dominated throughout the whole game. The Thunder never stood a chance and a repeat is likely tonight. They don’t have anyone in their ranks who can stop Harden and his scoring. CP3 and Shai are decent defenders but Harden has proven he is one of the best in the business and Paul won’t be able to restrict him.
An upset could be on the cards if the Thunder are able to play good defense but otherwise they are bound to go 0-2. The small-ball lineup seems to be effective for the Rockets and they will be hoping it leads them to a deep postseason run.
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