Although they’re just 2-3 in their last five games, when Oklahoma City takes on the Rockets on Monday afternoon, it won’t be the Thunder who are desperately in need of a win.
Houston is in the midst of skid, having dropped four-of-five, starting with the 21-point drubbing in OKC on Jan. 9 and culminating with a 124-115 loss to the Lakers on Saturday. During the 10-day stretch, the Rockets have tumbled from second in the Western Conference all the way down to sixth.
Former Thunder star, Russell Westbrook, told ESPN that the goal is for Houston to stay positive as they prepare to take on his old team.
“When adversity (hits), what are you going to do? You’ve got to look at yourself, stay locked in. It’s that part of the season. It happens. As a unit, as a team, we’ve got to stick together and figure out the best way to put our best foot forward.”
As for Oklahoma City, they are coming off a win over the Trail Blazers on Saturday despite being short-handed.
Danilo Gallinari missed the matchup due to rest and should be available on Monday.
Less is known about the statuses of Terrance Ferguson and Justin Patton, who were both suffering from an illness, as well as Abdel Nader, who missed his third straight game with an ankle sprain.
Chris Paul tied his season-high with 30 points in the win over Portland. The veteran guard acknowledged the importance of the victory, saying “winning is contagious, and we needed to get that mojo back.”
Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. CT.