The Oklahoma City Thunder will play begin the 2020 NBA Playoffs on Tuesday, Aug. 18 when they square off against James Harden and the Houston Rockets in Game 1 of their best-of-seven playoff series.
The teams ended the regular season with identical 44-28 records, but the Rockets won the tiebreaker and the right to serve as host for the series.
Here is how to watch and stream Game 1:
Opponent: Houston Rockets
Date and time: Aug. 18, 5:30 p.m. CT
How to watch: FOX Sports Oklahoma, TNT
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Matchups between the two this season
The Thunder and Rockets played some entertaining games this past season, with Russell Westbrook’s return to Oklahoma City filled with drama. Despite lacking the star power of the Rockets, the Thunder won the season series 2-1.
The Rockets, however, were awarded the higher seed since the first tiebreaker between teams with the same record is their standing in their own division. The Rockets won the Southwest Division and were thus awarded the higher seed.
During the regular season, though, the Thunder enjoyed success against Houston after losing the first contest between the teams back on Oct. 28. Oklahoma City would recover to take the next two meetings on Jan. 9 and Jan. 20, which were contested in Oklahoma City and Houston, respectively.
Key Injuries for Game 1
Russell Westbrook has been ruled out for the contest and is likely to miss Game 2, as well. The Rockets, though, are hopeful that their other former MVP will be able to return in time to take part in Game 3, which will be contested on Saturday.
For the Thunder, starting shooting guard Lu Dort has been ruled out of the contest, as well. Head coach Billy Donovan is expected to lean on Hamidou Diallo, Terrance Ferguson and Dennis Schroder for some defense on James Harden.
It’s also possible that Andre Roberson will be tasked with trying to slow down “The Beard” for a possession or two, as well.