Adam Lefkoe of NBA on TNT joins Next Up to preview the Houston Rockets playing the Thunder in Oklahoma City tonight on TNT. Tonight's Western Conference matchup is one of just a handful of Rockets games that are slated to be broadcasted on national television.
The Rockets hosted the Thunder on Sunday, losing 123-110 and splitting the season series 1-1. Even though the Rockets were leading 62-57 at half, the Thunder had a second half surge, especially from the three-point line, shooting 48.6%. If the Rockets are going to pull off an upset on national television, then "it's going to come from the three-point for the Thunder," Lefkoe said.
While there are large gaps between home and away records, Lefkoe is optimistic about the Rockets' future. Head coach Ime Udoka "is the guy." Center Alperen Şengün "has the IQ part, and he has the vision part."
In the third meeting between the Rockets and Thunder this season, Lefkoe predicts Jabari Smith Jr. to have a "repeat night" after recording a double-double with 20 points and 17 rebounds against the Thunder on Sunday.
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