Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Green will square off Friday in Houston.
The Oklahoma City Thunder (64-12) aim for a 12th consecutive victory when they visit the Houston Rockets (50-27) on Friday night (8 ET, League Pass). The Thunder are 3-1 against the Rockets this season, winning 137-128 in their previous matchup on March 3 in OKC.
Five things to know before the best in the West collide:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s historic season:
After scoring 33 points against Detroit on Wednesday, Gilgeous-Alexander has now scored 20-plus points in 69 straight games, tying Michael Jordan (69 in 1990-91) for the fourth-longest single-season streak in NBA history. Only Oscar Robertson (76 in 1963-64) and Wilt Chamberlain (80 twice – 1961-62 and 1963-64) have longer streaks. SGA has scored more than 20 points in 72 of his 73 games this season, and his career-high 32.8 ppg leads the league. He erupted for 51 points in his last outing against Houston a month ago.
After scoring 33 points against Detroit on Wednesday, Gilgeous-Alexander has now scored 20-plus points in 69 straight games, tying Michael Jordan (69 in 1990-91) for the fourth-longest single-season streak in NBA history. Only Oscar Robertson (76 in 1963-64) and Wilt Chamberlain (80 twice – 1961-62 and 1963-64) have longer streaks. SGA has scored more than 20 points in 72 of his 73 games this season, and his career-high 32.8 ppg leads the league. He erupted for 51 points in his last outing against Houston a month ago.
Thunder keep rolling:
Oklahoma City defeated the Pistons 119-103 to close out a four-game homestand, securing their 11th straight win. With that 16-point victory, the Thunder have won 50 games by 10 or more points in 2024-25, tying the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers for the most wins by double digits in a single season in NBA history. They also set a record for the best win rate against the Eastern Conference by defeating Detroit, finishing the season with an incredible 29-1 record. The Cavs were the only team in the East to beat OKC this year.
Oklahoma City defeated the Pistons 119-103 to close out a four-game homestand, securing their 11th straight win. With that 16-point victory, the Thunder have won 50 games by 10 or more points in 2024-25, tying the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers for the most wins by double digits in a single season in NBA history. They also set a record for the best win rate against the Eastern Conference by defeating Detroit, finishing the season with an incredible 29-1 record. The Cavs were the only team in the East to beat OKC this year.
Chet Holmgren finding his way:
Holmgren has missed a healthy chunk of the season, playing in just 28 of a possible 72 games, but he’s been consistent since the All-Star break. In 15 games since Feb. 21, Chet is averaging 14.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.9 blocks in 28.3 minutes per game, posting the fourth-best plus-minus rating (10.7) during this stretch. He’s coming off one of his best performances on Wednesday, putting up 22 points, 11 rebounds, two steals and a season-high-tying six blocks. Holmgren has been effective in two appearances against the Rockets, averaging 20 points, eight rebounds, three blocks, and a steal per game.
Holmgren has missed a healthy chunk of the season, playing in just 28 of a possible 72 games, but he’s been consistent since the All-Star break. In 15 games since Feb. 21, Chet is averaging 14.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.9 blocks in 28.3 minutes per game, posting the fourth-best plus-minus rating (10.7) during this stretch. He’s coming off one of his best performances on Wednesday, putting up 22 points, 11 rebounds, two steals and a season-high-tying six blocks. Holmgren has been effective in two appearances against the Rockets, averaging 20 points, eight rebounds, three blocks, and a steal per game.
Battle of the top two teams in the West:
The Thunder (No. 1) and Rockets (No. 2) are two of the best teams in the NBA, both playing stellar basketball as the regular season winds down. Oklahoma City has won 11 straight and is 20-2 in their last 22 contests, while Houston is 13-2 over their last 15. OKC ranks third in offensive rating (119.1) and first in defensive rating (105.9), while the Rockets are 11th in offense (115.0) and fourth in defense (109.6), setting up an intense matchup with a postseason feel.
The Thunder (No. 1) and Rockets (No. 2) are two of the best teams in the NBA, both playing stellar basketball as the regular season winds down. Oklahoma City has won 11 straight and is 20-2 in their last 22 contests, while Houston is 13-2 over their last 15. OKC ranks third in offensive rating (119.1) and first in defensive rating (105.9), while the Rockets are 11th in offense (115.0) and fourth in defense (109.6), setting up an intense matchup with a postseason feel.
Jalen Green gaining steam:
Green has cooled off a bit after averaging 25.7 ppg in January, but he’s starting to heat back up at the perfect time. He’s scored 30 points in three of his last six games, helping Houston to a 12-1 record when he scores at least 30. Over his last 12 games, Green is averaging 24.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.0 steals in 35.0 minutes per game.
Green has cooled off a bit after averaging 25.7 ppg in January, but he’s starting to heat back up at the perfect time. He’s scored 30 points in three of his last six games, helping Houston to a 12-1 record when he scores at least 30. Over his last 12 games, Green is averaging 24.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.0 steals in 35.0 minutes per game.
