It seems as if OKC has a bit more of a look of a team that can succeed in this NBA Cup and its next step in progressing to a championship level. We're not sure Houston is quite there yet, and not sure the Rockets should even be here in Las Vegas, either, after getting a controversial whistle in their favor in the final three seconds vs. the Warriors in Thursday's quarterfinal round. The Rockets did recently beat the Thunder on December 1 at Toyota Center but needed a season-high 38 points from Fred VanVleet to do so. Meanwhile, OKC looks ready to deal after romping past the Mavs in the quarterfinals when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, rising to meet the moment and the extra stage provided by the NBA Cup, scored 39. Remember, in the first meeting this season on November 8, it was no contest at OKC rolled 126-17, up 24 at the half as SGA again was hot (29 points). Play Thunder (at T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas)