The Houston Rockets will play host to the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder at their home arena of Toyota Center this Thursday (Jan. 15) evening. The Rockets will be looking to make a statement while remaining in the win column after breaking their longest losing streak of the season. The Thunder are rolling after a similar rough patch earlier in the month ended, and both teams have some notable players out for this game.
We think a Thunder win more likely even as a road team, but the Rockets have the size to win if a particular player returning to the fold after an extended absence shows some rust.
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Records, standing, and streaks
At present, the Houston Rockets have a 23-14 record, which puts them in the Western Conference standings’ sixth-place slot.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 04: Amen Thompson #1 of the Houston Rockets goes up for a lay up against Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first half at Toyota Center on April 04, 2025 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
The Oklahoma City Thunder are the owners of a 34-7 record and a four-game win streak, good enough for first place in the Western Conference.
What happened in the last game for each team?
The Houston Rockets beat the Chicago Bulls 119-113 at home.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) keeps the ball away from Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) during the second half at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Oklahoma City Thunder beat the San Antonio Spurs 123-112 at home.
Injuries
For Houston, Tari Eason (right ankle sprain), Dorian Finney-Smith (left ankle) and Fred VanVleet (ACL) are all out.
Oct 21, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka talks to forward Tari Eason (17) and forward Kevin Durant (7) during a break in play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
For Oklahoma City, Luguentz Dort is questionable, and both Nikola Topic (surgical recovery) and Thomas Sorber (ACL) are out.
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Probable starting lineups – Houston Rockets
Mar 3, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (15) shoots a three point basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Probable starting lineups – Oklahoma City ThunderHere’s when you should tune in to see the game:
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Rockets vs. Thunder: Stream, lineups, injury reports, broadcast (1/15)