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Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder preseason game preview

The Houston Rockets wrap up their preseason campaign with a final tune-up against the Oklahoma City Thunder, marking their third exhibition game of the year. With a clear rotation already taking shape under head coach Ime Udoka, the Rockets are focusing on fine-tuning their chemistry, particularly with newcomers Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanovic, who brings veteran experience to the lineup.

Meanwhile, the Thunder are deeper into their preseason slate, playing their fifth non-league game as they integrate rookies Aday Mara and Bennett Stirtz while managing a roster reshaped by offseason trades. Financial constraints led OKC to move on from Lu Dort, Aaron Wiggins, and Isaiah Joe, but they still retain core players like Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, whose rookie extensions now factor into the team’s long-term planning.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s salary bump and the looming Cason Wallace extension deadline add further pressure, as the Thunder prepare for a regular season that will look markedly different from last year’s lineup.

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