Houston Rockets vs. OKC Thunder Game 1: How to watch, time, injuries

The Houston Rockets go into the playoffs with a championship-or-bust attitude, and the Oklahoma City Thunder are the first obstacle standing in their way.

It’s been an adventure, but the NBA playoffs are finally here. The Orlando campus has been a tremendous success so far, and the intensity is only going to increase as an NBA title hangs in the balance. The Houston Rockets, who have faced criticism for choking when it counts on numerous occasions, will be starting their championship bid on Tuesday against a familiar foe.

In a dramatic twist that only Houston sports seem to provide, the Rockets lucked into a first-round matchup with Chris Paul, who almost helped them reach the NBA Finals just a couple of years ago. Paul doesn’t need any motivation to show his competitive side, but will undoubtedly have it when he faces his former team.

Unfortunately for the Rockets, the younger superstar they traded CP3 for, Russell Westbrook, won’t be available for at least Game 1, making the series even more of a toss-up than it already was. James Harden and the Rockets are out to prove to the world that their micro-ball system can lead them to the Larry O’Brien trophy, and they’ll have to be in prime form to overcome the Thunder’s stingy defense.

Here’s all you need to know about Game 1.

How to watch the Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

Location: The Field House (Wide World of Sports) – Orlando, FL
Date/Time: Tuesday, Aug. 18 @ 6:30 PM PM ET
Local TV:  AT&T SportsNet Southwest, FSOK
National TV: TNT
Radio: KBME/KTRH/KEYH, WWLS 98.1FM OKC

Injury Report

Houston Rockets
OUT:  Russell Westbrook (quadriceps)

Oklahoma City Thunder
OUT: Lu Dort (knee sprain)

*injury report via Jonathan Feigen