Rockets vs Thunder - 7:00 PM ET on NBATV [11/16/14]

[Smook A.]

Rockets vs Thunder Preview

The Houston Rockets haven't been nearly as potent offensively as they were last season.

They've still managed one of the NBA's best starts because of huge strides they've made on defense.

Houston's improved defense will look to keep the Oklahoma City Thunder's struggling offense in check Sunday night.

The Rockets looked dominant with an average scoring margin of plus-14.3 through their first seven wins, but had to grind out an 88-87 victory Friday over winless Philadelphia. They shot a season-low 37.2 percent, went 7 of 34 from 3-point range and committed 21 turnovers.

James Harden matched a season high with 35 points, made 14 of 16 free throws and put Houston (8-1) ahead on a layup with nine seconds left. He is on pace for 883 free throw attempts, which would be the most by a guard since Michael Jordan attempted 972 in 1986-87.

Harden has 67 points in his last two meetings against his former team while going 24 of 27 from the foul line.

The Rockets held the 76ers to 36.7 percent shooting over the final three quarters and forced 26 turnovers overall to stay with Chicago as the league's only teams without a road loss.

"We struggled on the defensive end early in the game, but we found a way to stay in the game and make plays," said Dwight Howard, who had 21 points and 16 rebounds for a seventh double-double in eight games. "We've got to continue to do that. We are going to have those nights where we can't find the basket and we got to hang our hats on the defensive end."

The Rockets last season relied heavily on an offense that ranked second in the league with 107.7 points per game. They're in the middle of the pack thus far with 101.6 points per game, but their 91.6 points allowed trail only Memphis' 91.3. They gave up 103.1 points per game in 2013-14.

Houston is still playing at one of the league's fastest paces, too, averaging 98.0 possessions per 48 minutes after averaging 98.8 last season.

Oklahoma City (3-7) fell to 2-2 at home with Friday's 96-89 overtime loss to Detroit. The Thunder didn't suffer their second home defeat last season until New Year's Eve.

Jeremy Lamb scored a career-high 24 and Reggie Jackson had 20 points and 12 assists but Jackson put the loss largely on his shoulders after missing a potential game-winner at the end of regulation.

"I failed my teammates ... they played great, it was never supposed to go to overtime," Jackson said. "I let them down tonight, so if anybody rests uneasy it's my fault."

Jackson has been more efficient, however, averaging 25.7 points on 54.7 percent shooting over his last three contests. He scored 20.0 points per game while shooting 37.0 percent through his first four contests.

The same can't be said for the rest of the team, which is averaging 92.0 points and shooting 43.3 percent - both among league's worst marks - with Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Perry Jones among those still sidelined with injuries.

Howard will look to end his recent struggles against the Thunder after averaging 8.6 points on 32.7 percent shooting in his last five meetings.

Oklahoma City has won 11 of 16 regular-season meetings with Houston and seven of eight at home with those victories coming by an average of 17.6 points.

Houston Rockets: 8-1
Oklahoma City Thunder: 3-7

Terrence Jones and Patrick Beverley are out for the Rockets. And obviously, no Durant, Westbrook or Jones for the Thunder. Matchup would've been a lot more fun if everyone was playing.

[Fudge]

Houston by 20. This is gonna be ugly.

[Natureland]

Thunder get up by 15, lose all capability to score somewhere in the middle of the third, and lose by 11.

[fiddy]

i cant think of more unlikeable team than the Rockets

[The_Yearning]

James Harden is the undisputed best SG in the game right now. People are buying into the two-way player hype too much. Klay is nowhere near Harden.

[fiddy]

James Harden is the undisputed best SG in the game right now. People are buying into the two-way player hype too much. Klay is nowhere near Harden.

Harden is garbage<<<<<<Klay

[dabigbaws]

lol harden the ******. good call

[Hamtaro CP3KDKG]

James Harden is the undisputed best SG in the game right now. People are buying into the two-way player hype too much. Klay is nowhere near Harden.

if u think Hardon is the best SG thats ur opinion. Not everyone values defense

[Fudge]

Hmmm, who should I root for this game?

[ronnymac]

14 free throw attempts in the first 8 minutes of the game to the Thunder. Amazing how biased these refs are.

[ronnymac]

Discos sisco shot is finally found.

[YouGotServed]

Big Papa and D-Mo struggling again.

[Burgz V2]

this game is ugly. bonafide chuck-fest.

[fiddy]

OKC with that block party

[ronnymac]

Our defense is again clicking. Our offense is so and so. It'll improve in the second half.