Houston Rockets vs Oklahoma City Thunder - Head-to-Head Player Stats
The Oklahoma City Thunder currently hold a superior overall roster with a 50-12 record and league-leading defensive rating of 108.2, while the Houston Rockets maintain competitive offensive efficiency at 115.3 points per 100 possessions but lag defensively at 112.8, making OKC the stronger team as of 2026.
Houston Rockets vs Oklahoma City Thunder - Head-to-Head Player Stats — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
The Oklahoma City Thunder are the stronger team overall, evidenced by their 50-12 record, elite defensive rating of 108.2, and superior ball movement with 28.1 assists per game. Choose the Rockets if you value offensive firepower and three-point shooting (37.4%), but choose the Thunder if you prioritize championship-caliber defense, rebounding control, and proven playoff consistency.
Compare Houston Rockets vs Oklahoma City Thunder
NBA team competing in the Western Conference with elite perimeter shooting and high-volume three-point offense.
NBA's best team with elite two-way play, exceptional defense, and balanced scoring across multiple star players.
Offensive Rating (Points per 100 Possessions)
Defensive Rating (Points Allowed per 100 Possessions)
Houston Rockets vs Oklahoma City Thunder - Head-to-Head Player Stats — Comparison Data
Structured comparison data for Houston Rockets vs Oklahoma City Thunder - Head-to-Head Player Stats with 143 attributes.
Current Win-Loss Record (2024-25 season)
Net Rating (scoring margin per 100 possessions)
Nikola Jokic vs Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Best Player Comparison)
Houston Rockets vs Oklahoma City Thunder - Head-to-Head Player Stats — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Houston Rockets vs Oklahoma City Thunder - Head-to-Head Player Stats.
Which team has the better defense, Rockets or Thunder?
The Oklahoma City Thunder have significantly better defense with a defensive rating of 108.2 compared to the Rockets' 112.8. This 4.6-point difference is substantial in the NBA and explains why OKC limits opponents to fewer scoring opportunities. The Thunder rank 1st in defensive efficiency league-wide, while Houston ranks outside the top 10.
Why do the Rockets have a better three-point percentage than Thunder?
The Rockets shoot 37.4% from three-point range versus OKC's 35.9% due to their offensive system prioritizing three-point volume and roster composition with multiple elite shooters. The Rockets attempt more threes per game (13.2 vs OKC's 11.8), and their scheme is designed around perimeter shooting. However, OKC compensates with superior overall efficiency through defense and ball movement.
Who is winning head-to-head this season between the teams?
As of the 2025-26 season midpoint, the Oklahoma City Thunder hold the series advantage over the Houston Rockets due to their superior team construction, 50-12 record, and +11.0 point differential. The Thunder's balanced attack and elite defense provide better matchup flexibility against Houston's three-point heavy style.
What is the biggest statistical difference between these teams?
The most significant difference is defensive rating: the Thunder's 108.2 versus the Rockets' 112.8 (4.6-point gap). This defensive efficiency advantage directly contributes to OKC's 11-game lead in the standings and explains why they can overcome the Rockets' superior three-point shooting with more consistent defensive pressure and point prevention.
Can the Rockets catch up to the Thunder in the standings?
Mathematically yes, but unlikely given current trajectories. The Thunder are on pace for 65+ wins with their current record, while the Rockets at 39-23 would need to dramatically improve their defensive rating (currently 112.8) and win percentage. The 11-game gap would require Houston to outpace OKC's win rate significantly for the remainder of the season.