The Houston Rockets will take on the Oklahoma City Thunder in game 5 of the first round NBA playoffs. Here we preview the match schedule and streaming details.
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The NBA is back tonight after a couple of days of pause with protest. The Houston Rockets will take on the Oklahoma City Thunder with the series tied at 2-2.
James Harden and co. looked frustrated and tired in the previous game and an extra couple of days break will help them to come back refreshed. With Russell Westbrook set to return tonight albeit on minutes restriction, the Rockets will look to roar back after a horrendous second half in game 4.
Chris Paul and his Thunder will look to continue with their resurgence after faltering in the first two games of the series. With back-to-back wins now, the squad will feel confident about their chances tonight.
Where to watch Rockets vs Thunder on TV and Online?
Fans around the globe can view the game on NBA TV, which is available on all platforms but need a NBA League Pass to do so. The League Pass can be bought on the league’s official website. All the playoff games can be viewed live on NBA TV.
The game is set for a 6:30 PM ET and will be streamed on AT&T SportsNet Southwest, Fox Sports Oklahoma and TNT. Fans can check out FuboTV to catch the game live as well.
Rockets vs Thunder Preview
The series was based on Rockets superstar Russell Westbrook going head-to-head with his former franchise, Oklahoma City Thunder. With the superstar finally set to feature tonight, it will make for an interesting watch tonight.
The former MVP has been a constant presence on the sidelines for the Rockets so far and will look to dent his former team tonight. Russ is extremely crucial for the Rockets’ micro small-ball to function properly as the guard can drive to the rim at will complementing the rest of the shooters in the team.
Most 3-point misses by a team in a playoff game:
37 — Rockets
37 — Rockets
36 — Rockets
35 — Rockets (Game 3 vs OKC)
35 — Rockets (today) pic.twitter.com/z0yqPvFKTW— StatMuse (@statmuse) August 24, 2020
The NBA’s boycott for three days has given a chance for Westbrook to rest his injured quadriceps and a chance to feature in the series. With the superstar guard set to take the court tonight, the Rockets will get a massive boost as the former Thunder star takes massive burden on the offensive end off James Harden.
The Beard looked visibly frustrated in the previous two games after losing meekly to former teammate Chris Paul and his Thunder. The Rockets’ reliance on 3-pointer can make-or-break them in important games.
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Harden averages 32.0 points, 8.8 assists and 7.8 rebounds per game in the series and has been ably supported by perimeter shooters Ben McLemore, Jeff Green, Robert Covington and Danuel House each of who have a shooting percentage of 39 percent or more from 3-point range in the series so far.
If the squad hadn’t gone cold with their shooting in the second half of game 4, the Rockets would have easily taken a 3-1 series lead.
The Thunder on the other hand have had a completely opposite journey in the games so far. Although they lost the first two games, they were able to find some weak spots in the Rockets.
Lu Dort’s defence on James Harden has been crucial in the series so far. With the squad locking down their defense, the Rockets have regressed in the last two games. Schroder, Paul and Gilgeous-Alexander have all made merry on the Rockets’ defense so far and will look to continue it tonight.
Rockets expected starting line-up: James Harden, Eric Gordon, Danuel House Jr., Robert Covington, P.J. Tucker
Thunder expected starting line-up: Chris Paul, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, Danilo Gallinari, Steven Adams
