For the Houston Rockets to get back in the win column, they’re going to have to be up to the unenviable task of guarding the Oklahoma City Thunder‘s twin towers, Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren. They may not be very high-volume scorers on offense, but they still score the ball with great efficiency and have above-average playmaking feel for their size.
That means Rockets center Alperen Sengun is going to need to fare a whole lot better on the less glamorous side of the floor than he has of late. If he doesn’t look noticeably more locked in on that end, expect Oklahoma City to win handily.
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Records, standing, and streaks
Jan 31, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) celebrates with guard Josh Okogie (20) after a play during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
At present, the Rockets have a 31-19 record and two-game losing streak, which puts them in the Western Conference standings’ fourth-place slot.
The Thunder are the owners of a 40-12 record, good enough for tops in the Western Conference.
What happened in the last game for each team?
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
Houston lost to the Charlotte Hornets (109-99) at home.
Oklahoma City came up short against the San Antonio Spurs (116-106) on the road.
Injuries
Nov 8, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives around Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
For Oklahoma City, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdominal strain) is out, Ajay Mitchell (abdominal strain) is out, Thomas Sorber (right ACL surgical recovery) is out, Nikola Topic (surgical recovery) is out and Jalen Williams (right hamstring strain) is out.
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For Houston, Fred VanVleet (ACL repair) is out, Steven Adams (left ankle surgery) is out and Jae’Sean Tate (left wrist contusion) is out.
Probable starting lineups – Houston
Feb 5, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) on the bench during a timeout against the Charlotte Hornets during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images
Probable starting lineups – Oklahoma City
Feb 4, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) reacts after a play during the third quarter against the Boston Celtics at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Here’s when you should tune in to see the game:
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Rockets vs. Thunder preview: Stream, lineups, injury reports and more