Rockets Look to Build Momentum Against Defending Champion Thunder
After a much-needed win to snap a three-game skid, the Houston Rockets are aiming to keep the good vibes rolling - but they’ve got a major test ahead. Tonight, they’ll face off against the defending NBA champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, in a matchup that could serve as a measuring stick for where this young Rockets team really stands.
Houston’s victory earlier this week came on the back of standout performances from Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson, and Alperen Sengun, with Jabari Smith Jr. delivering when it mattered most in crunch time. It was the kind of balanced effort that Rockets fans have been waiting to see - a mix of veteran presence, youthful energy, and clutch execution. Now, the question is whether they can bottle that formula and bring it into a high-stakes game against one of the league’s top squads.
This isn’t the first time these two teams have tangled this season. Houston and OKC opened the year with a double-overtime thriller that ultimately went the Thunder’s way.
That loss still lingers a bit for the Rockets - a reminder of how close they came to knocking off the champs on night one. Tonight offers a shot at redemption.
Thunder Cooling Off?
Oklahoma City came into the season with the weight of championship expectations, and early on, they looked every bit the part. But since their last meeting with Houston, they’ve shown some cracks. The Thunder have dropped seven games, including a surprising trio of losses to the San Antonio Spurs and others to teams like the Hornets and Blazers - squads sitting closer to the bottom of the standings.
Let’s be clear: the Thunder are still a powerhouse. But the aura of invincibility they carried into the season has taken a few hits. They’re beatable - and that’s not something many were saying back in October.
One area to watch tonight is the paint. OKC might be without big man Isaiah Hartenstein, who’s nursing a calf injury.
If he’s sidelined, it removes a key rim protector from the Thunder’s rotation - and opens the door for Alperen Sengun to go to work. Sengun has been a revelation this season, and with no true defensive anchor in his way, he could be in for a big night.
Rockets’ Injury Report
Houston remains without Fred VanVleet, who’s recovering from an ACL injury. The veteran guard’s absence has forced the Rockets to lean more heavily on their young core, particularly Amen Thompson, who continues to grow with each start. Dorian Finney-Smith and Tari Eason are both day-to-day with ankle issues, and their availability could swing Houston’s defensive versatility and wing depth.
Thunder’s Injury Concerns
The Thunder are also dealing with some health setbacks. Nikola Topic is out with a groin injury, and Thomas Sorber is done for the season due to a knee issue.
Luguentz Dort, one of OKC’s premier perimeter defenders, is day-to-day with a foot injury. If Dort can’t go, that’s another potential opening for Houston’s wings to exploit.
Tip-Off Details
- Time: 6:30 p.m. CT, January 15, 2026
- Watch: Amazon Prime Video or Space City Home Network
What to Watch For
This game is about more than just the win column. For Houston, it’s a chance to prove they can hang with the league’s elite - and maybe even steal one from them. For Oklahoma City, it’s about reasserting dominance and reminding everyone why they’re still the team to beat.
Can the Rockets ride their recent momentum into a statement win? Or will the Thunder use this as a bounce-back moment to reinforce their championship pedigree?
We’ll find out tonight under the lights.