Rockets Analyst Ben DuBose Says SGA Is A "Huge Variable" In OKC Matchup

Ben DuBose, editor of The Rockets Wire, joins Next Up to preview the Houston Rockets traveling to Oklahoma City to take on the Thunder tonight in a Western Conference matchup. The Thunder are currently ranked No. 2 in the Western Conference, while the Rockets sit behind the Golden State Warriors for the final spot in the Play-In Tournament. The Rockets could earn 10-straight wins if they defeat the Thunder tonight.

The Thunder, led by point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, garnered their 50th win against the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday and return to back to Oklahoma City to finish out a back-to-back. However, Gilgeous-Alexander is battling a quadricep injury, so his availability tonight is a "huge variable" in the Rockets matchup according to DuBose. "It's really, really tough" for the Rockets if Gilgeous-Alexander is on the floor, and "do [the Rockets] have the fire power without [Alperen Şengün]" to counter other Thunder starters like Chet Holmgren?

DuBose also comments on the Rockets continuing to stay "physical" on defense despite being undersized and makes a case for Ime Udoka to win NBA Coach of the Year.