The NBA closes with a marquee Western Conference matchup as the Houston Rockets (2–2) face the Oklahoma City Thunder (3–1) at Paycom Center. Houston has alternated wins and losses through its exhibition slate, showing flashes of offensive firepower but still working through defensive lapses. Oklahoma City, the defending NBA champions, has looked sharp in tune-ups, led by reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. This game offers a final chance for both teams to fine-tune rotations before the regular season tips off. The storyline centers on Kevin Durant’s return to Oklahoma City in a Rockets uniform, adding intrigue to an already high-profile preseason clash.
How to Watch: Date, Time, Venue, TV
- Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2025
- Tip-off Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Venue: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
- TV: NBC
- Streaming Options: NBA League Pass, ESPN+, FuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, DAZN
Star power will be on full display. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has averaged 21 points and 6 assists in limited preseason minutes, picking up where he left off after an MVP campaign. Kevin Durant, now with Houston, has averaged 18 points on 47 percent shooting, while Jalen Green has added 16 points per game.
Supporting casts could decide the outcome. For Oklahoma City, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren provide balance, with Holmgren averaging 9 rebounds and 2 blocks. Houston counters with Alperen Şengün, who has been dominant inside, averaging 15 points and 8 rebounds, while rookie Reed Sheppard has impressed with his perimeter shooting.
Team stats highlight the contrast: Oklahoma City has excelled defensively, holding opponents under 100 points in three of four preseason games, while Houston has leaned on pace and three-point volume, averaging 112 points per game but allowing nearly the same.
Defensive matchups will be key. Expect Lu Dort to spend time guarding Durant, while Holmgren battles Şengün in the paint. Coaching tendencies also matter: Mark Daigneault has emphasized depth and defensive rotations, while Ime Udoka continues to push Houston toward a faster tempo and spacing-heavy offense.
With Oklahoma City’s depth and defensive discipline, the Thunder enter as favorites at home. But if Durant and Green find rhythm early, Houston has the firepower to make this a statement preseason win.