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Rockets vs Thunder 2026 | Current Standings

The Oklahoma City Thunder maintain an elite defensive rating of 106.8 with a strong record, while the Houston Rockets counter with one of the league's best offensive ratings at 115.2. OKC's balanced roster and veteran depth provide advantages in overall team construction, though Houston's high-octane offense keeps them competitive in the Western Conference standings.

HR

Houston Rockets

Young, rebuilding NBA team featuring emerging stars Alperen Şengün and Jalen Green competing in the Western Conference.

Fans who prioritize explosive offensive basketball and believe in young roster growth potential over immediate championship odds.

Score71%
VS
OC

Oklahoma City Thunder

Western Conference leader with elite offensive efficiency and balanced scoring depth

Basketball purists who value playoff sustainability, defensive excellence, and balanced championship-contending rosters over thrilling offensive showcases.

Score71%

Quick Answer

AI Summary

The Oklahoma City Thunder maintain an elite defensive rating of 106.8 with a strong record, while the Houston Rockets counter with one of the league's best offensive ratings at 115.2. OKC's balanced roster and veteran depth provide advantages in overall team construction, though Houston's high-octane offense keeps them competitive in the Western Conference standings.

Our Verdict

AI-assisted

The Oklahoma City Thunder are currently the stronger team with a 7-game lead in the standings and a +5.6 net rating, combining elite defense with balanced scoring. Choose the Thunder if you value proven playoff readiness and balanced team construction; choose the Rockets if you're drawn to dynamic offensive firepower and younger, high-ceiling potential—though Houston must improve defensively to compete in the postseason.

Community feedback

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H
Houston Rockets
6.7/10
Oklahoma City Thunder
8.3/10
O
H

Choose Houston Rockets if

Fans who prioritize explosive offensive basketball and believe in young roster growth potential over immediate championship odds.

O

Choose Oklahoma City Thunder if

Best pick

Basketball purists who value playoff sustainability, defensive excellence, and balanced championship-contending rosters over thrilling offensive showcases.

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Key Differences at a Glance

  • Current Win-Loss Record (2025-26 Season):Oklahoma City Thunder wins(45-22 vs 38-29)
  • Offensive Rating (Points per 100 possessions):Houston Rockets wins(115.2 vs 112.4)
  • Defensive Rating (Points allowed per 100 possessions):Oklahoma City Thunder wins(106.8 vs 112.1)
See all 7 differences

Key Facts & Figures

99 numeric metrics compared

MetricHouston RocketsOklahoma City ThunderRatio
2025-26 Offensive Rating(points per 100 possessions)119.7
2025-26 Defensive Rating(points per 100 possessions)116.8
All-Time Championships(titles)00
Three-Point Attempt Rate(% of total shots)43%
Playoff Appearances (2015-2025)9
Finals Appearances (2015-2025)(times)0
Average Team Payroll(millions USD)$142M
Conference Finals Reached (2015-2025)(times)3
Final Game Score(points)116
Field Goal Percentage (Game)(%)48.1%
Recent Winning Streak(games)Not on streak
Leading Scorer PPG(points per game)26.0 (Durant)Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30.1 PPG
Assists Leader APG(Assists Per Game)6.1 (Sengun)10.9 (SGA)
Rebounds Leader RPG(Rebounds Per Game)8.9 (Sengun)10+ (Holmgren)
NBA Championships(titles)0
Finals Appearances (Since 2010)(appearances)1 finals trip (2018)
Consecutive Playoff Appearances(years)1 current year; 9 of last 16
Three-Point Percentage (2024-25)(%)35.7%
Total NBA Championships (all-time)(titles)2 championships
Star Player Age(years)Alperen Şengün - 22 years old
Franchise All-Time Win-Loss Record(winning percentage).495 (2,044-2,091)
NBA Finals Appearances (2000-2026)(appearances)2 Finals trips
Team Payroll (2024-25)(millions USD)$142.8 million
Home Arena Capacity(seats)Toyota Center - 20,799 capacity
Star Guard Average Points Per Game(PPG)Jalen Green - 18.2 PPG
Offensive Rating(points per 100 possessions)116.2116.2
Three-Point Percentage(%)37.2%37.2%
Rebounds Per Game (Team)(rebounds)47.147.1
Assists Per Game (Team)(assists)28.428.4
Steals Per Game (Team)(steals)8.98.9
Points Per Game (Team Scoring)(PPG)116.8116.8
Leading Scorer Average(PPG)28.1 (SGA)28.1 (SGA)
Team Assists Per Game(APG)28.328.3
Bench Scoring(points per game)28.428.4
Playoff Seed Position(Seed Ranking)2nd (West)2nd (West)
3-Point Percentage(percent)37.9%37.9%
Average Points Per Game(points)117.8117.8
Conference Rank(position)1st (Western)1st (Western)
All-Star Selections(players)3 All-Stars3 All-Stars
Playoff Seed(seed ranking)1st seed1st seed
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Points Per Game(PPG)30.1 PPG30.1 PPG
Team Defensive Rating(points per 100 possessions)110.2110.2
2023-24 Win-Loss Record(Wins)56-2656-26
NBA Championship Titles(championships)00
Points Per Game(points)118.5118.5
Points Allowed Per Game(PPG)109.3109.3
Star Player PPG Average(PPG)30.2 (SGA)30.2 (SGA)
Playoff Appearances (2021-2026)(appearances)44
Average Team Age(years)24.824.8
Coach Tenure(seasons)6 seasons6 seasons
Expected Win Total (2025-26)(wins)48-5248-52
Offensive Rating Potential(points per 100)115.2115.2
Final Score(points)126126
Rebounds Per Game(RPG)46.246.2
Games Back From Playoff Position(GB)-5.5 (leading)-5.5 (leading)
Net Rating(point differential per 100 possessions)+7.9+7.9
Roster Average Age(years)25.325.3
2026 NBA All-Star Selections(players)33
Playoff Seeding(seed ranking)1st1st
Net Rating (scoring margin per 100 possessions)(points)+10.6+10.6
All-NBA Caliber Superstars(count)3 (Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, Dort)3 (Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, Dort)
Western Conference Playoff Seeding(seed)1st (projected)1st (projected)
Playoff Probability(percent)99%99%
NBA Championship Odds (2026 season)(decimal odds)+400+400
Payroll(USD millions)$163M$163M
Three-Point Percentage (team)(percent)36.2%36.2%
Team Offensive Rating(points per 100 possessions)115.9115.9
Payroll (2024-25)(million USD)$176.4M$176.4M
NBA Finals Appearances (2022-2025)(appearances)00
Chet Holmgren Block Rate(blocks per game)2.8 BPG2.8 BPG
Net Rating (Differential)(points per 100 possessions)+9.5+9.5
All-Time NBA Championships(titles)11
Playoff Appearances (Last 10 Seasons)(appearances)99
2025-26 Payroll(USD millions)$145.8M$145.8M
Average Roster Age(years)24.824.8
NBA Championships Won(Titles)00
Leading Scorer PPG Average(Points per game)Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 29.3 PPGShai Gilgeous-Alexander 29.3 PPG
MVP Awards (All-Time)(Awards)00
Core Roster Average Age(Years)24.3 years24.3 years
Team Payroll(USD Millions)$165 million$165 million
Points Per Game (2024-25)(PPG)116.8116.8
Defensive Rating (2024-25)(points per 100 possessions)105.2105.2
Leading Scorer Average (2024-25)(PPG)30.1 (SGA)30.1 (SGA)
Assists Per Game (2024-25)(APG)8.18.1
Three-Point Shooting Percentage(%)38.1%38.1%
Salary Cap Situation(USD millions)$134 million ($50M under)$134 million ($50M under)
Defensive Rating(points per 100 possessions)108.3108.3
Three-Point Shooting(percentage)38.1%38.1%
Point Differential(points per game)+8.9+8.9
Western Conference Seed(ranking)1st Seed1st Seed
Star Player PPG(points per game)Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 28.4Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 28.4
Playoff Appearances (Last 5 Years)(seasons)5 of 55 of 5
Western Conference Ranking(seed position)1st seed1st seed
Points Per Game (Offense)(PPG)112.4112.4
Points Allowed Per Game (Defense)(PPG)105.2105.2
Leading Scorer - Points Per Game(PPG)Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30.1Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30.1
Team 3-Point Percentage(%)37.2%37.2%
Assists Per Game(APG)28.328.3
Field Goal Percentage(%)48.1%48.1%

Sourced from publicly available data ·

Key Differences

7 attributes compared head-to-head

HR
3Houston Rockets
Oklahoma City Thunder leads
OC
4Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Current Win-Loss Record (2025-26 Season)

    Houston Rockets

    38-29

    Oklahoma City Thunder

    45-22(winner)

  • Offensive Rating (Points per 100 possessions)

    Houston Rockets

    115.2(winner)

    Oklahoma City Thunder

    112.4

  • Defensive Rating (Points allowed per 100 possessions)

    Houston Rockets

    112.1

    Oklahoma City Thunder

    106.8(winner)

  • 3-Point Percentage Team Average

    Houston Rockets

    38.1%(winner)

    Oklahoma City Thunder

    35.7%

  • Average Points Per Game

    Houston Rockets

    116.3(winner)

    Oklahoma City Thunder

    113.8

  • Net Rating (Offensive - Defensive Rating)

    Houston Rockets

    +3.1

    Oklahoma City Thunder

    +5.6(winner)

  • Playoff Seed (Current Eastern Conference)

    Houston Rockets

    14th

    Oklahoma City Thunder

    3rd(winner)

Full Comparison

HHouston Rockets
OOklahoma City Thunder
2025-26 Offensive Rating(points per 100 possessions)
119.7
Three-Point Attempt Rate(% of total shots)
43%
Offensive Rating(points per 100 possessions)
116.2
Three-Point Percentage(%)
37.2%
Assists Per Game (Team)(assists)
28.4
Show 3 more attributes
Points Per Game (Team Scoring)(PPG)
116.8
Team Offensive Rating(points per 100 possessions)
115.9
Three-Point Shooting(percentage)
38.1%
2025-26 Defensive Rating(points per 100 possessions)
116.8
Steals Per Game (Team)(steals)
8.9
Team Defensive Rating(points per 100 possessions)
110.2
Defensive Rating(points per 100 possessions)
108.3
Points Allowed Per Game (Defense)(PPG)
105.2
All-Time Championships(titles)
0
0
Total NBA Championships (all-time)(titles)
2 championships
Franchise All-Time Win-Loss Record(winning percentage)
.495 (2,044-2,091)
Playoff Appearances (2015-2025)
9
NBA Finals Appearances (2000-2026)(appearances)
2 Finals trips
Last Conference Finals Appearance(year)
Never
Finals Appearances (2015-2025)(times)
0
Conference Finals Reached (2015-2025)(times)
3
Average Team Payroll(millions USD)
$142M
Final Game Score(points)
116
Final Score(points)
126
Season Win-Loss Record(wins-losses)
Not publicly listed
Win-Loss Record(W-L)
36-12
Conference Ranking(seed)
Lower position
Field Goal Percentage (Game)(%)
48.1%
Lead Star Player Scoring Average(PPG)
Lower average
Second Leading Scorer Average(PPG)
Not specified
Aaron Gordon Points(points)
N/A
Recent Winning Streak(games)
Not on streak
Venue Renovation Status(text)
2025-26 seat upgrades completed
Home Arena Capacity(seats)
Toyota Center - 20,799 capacity
Regular Season Record(Wins-Losses)
43-29
57-16
2023-24 Win-Loss Record(Wins)
56-26
Win-Loss Record (2024-25 season)(Wins-Losses)
47-15
Conference Standing(Seed/Rank)
6th Seed
1st (West)
Playoff Seed Position(Seed Ranking)
2nd (West)
Conference Rank(position)
1st (Western)
Playoff Seed(seed ranking)
1st seed
Games Back From Playoff Position(GB)
-5.5 (leading)
Show 2 more attributes
Point Differential(points per game)
+8.9
Western Conference Seed(ranking)
1st Seed
Leading Scorer PPG(points per game)
26.0 (Durant)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30.1 PPG
Assists Leader APG(Assists Per Game)
6.1 (Sengun)
10.9 (SGA)
Assists Per Game (2024-25)(APG)
8.1
Rebounds Leader RPG(Rebounds Per Game)
8.9 (Sengun)
10+ (Holmgren)
Rebounds Per Game (Team)(rebounds)
47.1
Rebounds Per Game(RPG)
46.2
Head-to-Head Result (HOU@OKC)(Final Score)
108 points
110 points
Third Quarter Dominance(Scoring Margin)
Led 80-74 after Q3
Led 52-46 at halftime
Bench Depth Indicator(Contributing Players)
Sheppard, Eason contributing 3-pointers
Williams, Holmgren, SGA balanced attack
NBA Championships(titles)
0
Finals Appearances (Since 2010)(appearances)
1 finals trip (2018)
NBA Finals Appearances (2022-2025)(appearances)
0
Consecutive Playoff Appearances(years)
1 current year; 9 of last 16
Three-Point Percentage (2024-25)(%)
35.7%
2024-25 Season Record(wins-losses)
41-40 (10th place West)
2024-25 Regular Season Win-Loss Record(Wins-Losses)
36-8
Star Player Age(years)
Alperen Şengün - 22 years old
Average Team Age(years)
24.8
Roster Average Age(years)
25.3
Average Roster Age(years)
24.8
Team Payroll (2024-25)(millions USD)
$142.8 million
2025-26 Payroll(USD millions)
$145.8M
Star Guard Average Points Per Game(PPG)
Jalen Green - 18.2 PPG
Leading Scorer Average(PPG)
28.1 (SGA)
Leading Scorer - Points Per Game(PPG)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30.1
Team Assists Per Game(APG)
28.3
Assists Per Game(APG)
28.3
Bench Scoring(points per game)
28.4
3-Point Percentage(percent)
37.9%
Average Points Per Game(points)
117.8
Points Per Game (Offense)(PPG)
112.4
All-Star Selections(players)
3 All-Stars
Nikola Jokic Points Per Game(PPG)
N/A
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Points Per Game(PPG)
30.1 PPG
NBA Championship Titles(championships)
0
Season Record (2025-26)(wins-losses)
47-22
Wins-Losses Record (2025-26)(W-L)
65-17
Current Win-Loss Record (2024-25 season)
40-12
Western Conference Playoff Seeding(seed)
1st (projected)
Current Season Win-Loss Record(wins-losses)
32-12
Show 2 more attributes
2025-26 Regular Season Record(wins-losses)
52-30
Net Rating (Differential)(points per 100 possessions)
+9.5
Points Per Game(points)
118.5
Points Allowed Per Game(PPG)
109.3
Star Player PPG Average(PPG)
30.2 (SGA)
All-NBA Caliber Superstars(count)
3 (Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, Dort)
Playoff Appearances (2021-2026)(appearances)
4
Current Star Player Rating(NBA tier)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Elite)
Coach Tenure(seasons)
6 seasons
Expected Win Total (2025-26)(wins)
48-52
Offensive Rating Potential(points per 100)
115.2
Location
Home - Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Aaron Gordon Field Goal %(%)
N/A
Aaron Gordon Three-Point %(%)
N/A
Aaron Gordon Free Throw %(%)
N/A
Three-Point Percentage (team)(percent)
36.2%
Three-Point Shooting Percentage(%)
38.1%
Show 2 more attributes
Team 3-Point Percentage(%)
37.2%
Field Goal Percentage(%)
48.1%
Aaron Gordon Plus-Minus(rating)
N/A
Game-Winning Play
Gilgeous-Alexander stepback 3P (0:03 remaining) - 126-129
Net Rating(point differential per 100 possessions)
+7.9
2026 NBA All-Star Selections(players)
3
Nikola Jokic vs Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Best Player Comparison)(PPG / APG / eFG%)
30.1 PPG / 6.5 APG / 60.1% eFG% (SGA)
Playoff Seeding(seed ranking)
1st
Leading Scorer(points per game)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30.1 PPG
Leading Scorer PPG Average(Points per game)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 29.3 PPG
Net Rating (scoring margin per 100 possessions)(points)
+10.6
Playoff Probability(percent)
99%
NBA Championship Odds (2026 season)(decimal odds)
+400
Payroll(USD millions)
$163M
Payroll (2024-25)(million USD)
$176.4M
Chet Holmgren Block Rate(blocks per game)
2.8 BPG
All-Time NBA Championships(titles)
1
NBA Championships Won(Titles)
0
MVP Awards (All-Time)(Awards)
0
Playoff Appearances (Last 10 Seasons)(appearances)
9
Core Roster Average Age(Years)
24.3 years
Team Payroll(USD Millions)
$165 million
Points Per Game (2024-25)(PPG)
116.8
Defensive Rating (2024-25)(points per 100 possessions)
105.2
Leading Scorer Average (2024-25)(PPG)
30.1 (SGA)
Salary Cap Situation(USD millions)
$134 million ($50M under)
Wins-Losses Record(W-L)
32-10
Regular Season Wins-Losses
38-8
Star Player PPG(points per game)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 28.4
Playoff Appearances (Last 5 Years)(seasons)
5 of 5
Western Conference Ranking(seed position)
1st seed

Pros & Cons

10 pros·4 cons across both

HR
OC
HR

Houston Rockets

+5-2

Pros

  • League-leading offensive rating of 115.2 points per 100 possessions
  • 38.1% 3-point shooting percentage (3rd best in NBA)
  • Young star players with high ceiling for playoff development
  • Scores 116.3 points per game, 4th most in NBA
  • Exciting, fast-paced playing style that attracts viewership

Cons

  • Defensive rating of 112.1 ranks 22nd in NBA, a 5.3-point gap behind OKC
  • Currently 7 games behind Thunder in Western Conference standings
OC

Oklahoma City Thunder

+5-2

Pros

  • 3rd seed in Western Conference with 45-22 record, +5.6 net rating
  • Elite defensive rating of 106.8 (best in league), allowing only 106.8 points per 100 possessions
  • Balanced roster with star power and veteran playoff experience
  • Currently on pace for 55+ wins this season
  • Strong team chemistry and consistency throughout season

Cons

  • Offensive rating of 112.4 trails Rockets by 2.8 points per 100 possessions
  • 3-point shooting at 35.7% is below league average for contenders

Frequently Asked Questions

5 questions

  1. The Oklahoma City Thunder are significantly better positioned with a +5.6 net rating, 45-22 record, and 3rd seed status. Their elite 106.8 defensive rating combined with 112.4 offensive rating creates balanced playoff success. Houston's 3-game losing streak and 14th seed standing suggest they'll need 8-10 more wins to reach the playoffs at all.

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