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Thunder Host Rockets Without Star Guard Gilgeous-Alexander

2/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Oklahoma City Thunder will face the Houston Rockets on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET at Paycom Center.
The Thunder sit at 40-12 and will be without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander due to an abdominal strain.
The Rockets are 31-19 and recently lost to the Hornets, featuring Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun.
The over/under is 214.5.
Oklahoma City is favored by 2.5 points.

History

Historical Context

The NBA expanded in 1988 by adding the Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat, increasing the number of franchises to 25. Both teams faced challenges in their inaugural seasons, with the Heat finishing last in the Midwest Division at 15-67. The relocation of the Seattle SuperSonics to Oklahoma City in 2008 further transformed the league's dynamics, highlighting the impact of franchise movements on competition.

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Story summary

The Oklahoma City Thunder will face the Houston Rockets on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET at Paycom Center.
The Thunder sit at 40-12 and will be without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander due to an abdominal strain.
The Rockets are 31-19 and recently lost to the Hornets, featuring Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun.
The over/under is 214.5.
Oklahoma City is favored by 2.5 points.

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