ROCKETS VS. THUNDER
How short-handed Rockets will look to upset rolling Thunder
Mar 3, 2025, 4:18 pm
Can Jalen Green lead the Rockets to victory? Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images.
The Houston Rockets face a tough challenge Monday night as they take on the first-place Oklahoma City Thunder, who have been one of the NBA’s most dominant teams this season.
The Thunder (49-11) enter the matchup riding an 8-2 stretch over their last 10 games, averaging an impressive 127.6 points per contest. Led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is averaging 32.3 points on 52.4% shooting, Oklahoma City is fresh off a 146-132 win over San Antonio, where Jalen Williams erupted for 41 points.
Houston (37-23) sits fifth in the Western Conference but has been inconsistent lately, going 5-5 over its last 10 outings. Injuries could be a concern, with key contributors like Fred VanVleet (ankle) ruled out and Alperen Sengun (back) listed as day-to-day. Jalen Green, who has been averaging 3.7 made three-pointers per game in his last 10, will need a big performance for Houston to stay competitive.
The Rockets will have to find a way to slow down the Thunder’s potent offense, which ranks among the league’s best from beyond the arc with 14.2 made threes per game. Houston’s defense allows just 12.1 made threes per game, making perimeter defense a key factor in the matchup.
Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. EST, with the Thunder entering as a 10.5-point favorite.
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Astros show signs of life in blowout win over Brewers
May 7, 2025, 3:25 pm
Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez has a strained muscle at the top of his right hand, a diagnosis that instills optimism he won’t have a prolonged stay on the injured list.
The three-time All-Star went on the 10-day injured list Monday, retroactive to Saturday, and returned to Houston for an MRI that revealed the muscle strain.
“We look at it as good news,” Astros manager Joe Espada said before their Wednesday afternoon game with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Espada expressed hope that Alvarez wouldn’t have to stay on the injured list longer than the required 10 days. He also said the hand issue may have played a role in Alvarez’s slow start.
Alvarez, 27, is hitting .210 with a .306 on-base percentage, three homers and 18 RBIs in 29 games this season. He batted .308 with a .392 on-base percentage, 35 homers and 86 RBIs in 147 games last year while ranking ninth in the AL Most Valuable Player balloting.
He has posted an OPS of at least .959 and has finished 13th or higher in the MVP voting each of the last three seasons.
“Once he heals, once he gets back, I think we’ll see a more aggressive at bat and be not as cautious,” Espada said. “I think it had something to do with it, yes.”
His potential return could go a long way toward boosting an Astros lineup that hasn’t been as productive as usual this season. The Astros entered Wednesday’s action ranked 21st in the majors in runs (136) and 23rd in OPS (.676). Houston has ranked 11th or better in both those categories each of the last four seasons.