Yes, the Houston Rockets do play today, Thursday, January 15, 2026. If you're looking for the specifics, they are hosting the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Toyota Center in Houston. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 PM CST (7:30 PM EST).
Honestly, this isn't just another mid-season game. It's a massive Western Conference battle between two of the top-rated teams in the league. You've got the Rockets sitting at a solid 23-14 record, trying to hold onto their spot in the brutal West, while the Thunder are coming in like a wrecking ball with a league-best 34-7 record.
Where to Watch the Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
If you aren't heading down to the Toyota Center to catch the action live, you've got a few options to watch from home. This game has a bit of a unique broadcast setup compared to your standard local cable nights.
- Streaming: The game is being featured on Amazon Prime Video. This is part of the NBA's expanded streaming reach that we’ve seen take over the 2025-26 season.
- Local TV: For those in the Oklahoma City market, you can find it on FDSOK.
- Radio: If you're stuck in Houston traffic, tune into Sportstalk 790 to hear the call.
It's kinda wild how much the viewing landscape has changed, but basically, if you have a Prime subscription, you're good to go for this one.
The Matchup: Why This Game Matters
The Rockets are actually entering this game as rare home underdogs. Most sportsbooks have them at about a +4.5 to +5.5 underdog spread. It makes sense when you look at the Thunder’s recent form—they’ve won four straight and are basically the "final boss" of the Western Conference right now.
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But don't count Houston out. They've been incredible at home this year with a 12-2 record at the Toyota Center. They also have a serious chip on their shoulder after losing a double-overtime heartbreaker to OKC earlier this season, 125-124.
Key Players and Injuries
One of the biggest stories tonight is the star power on the floor. We're talking about Kevin Durant leading the way for Houston. The trade that brought him from the Suns last summer—which cost the Rockets Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and a haul of picks—was designed for games exactly like this. KD has been putting up veteran masterclasses all season, and he'll need every bit of that tonight.
On the other side, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is playing at an MVP level, averaging nearly 32 points a game. Watching him go head-to-head with Houston’s young defensive stalwarts is going to be the highlight of the night.
Here is who is definitely not playing:
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- Houston: Tari Eason and Dorian Finney-Smith are both out with ankle injuries. That hurts the Rockets' wing depth significantly.
- Oklahoma City: Isaiah Hartenstein is out with a calf issue, and Lu Dort is currently listed as questionable with a foot problem.
What to Watch For on the Court
If you're a stats nerd, this is a dream matchup. These are the top two teams in net rating this season. OKC sits at a +12.8, while Houston has improved drastically to a +7.3.
The Rockets' defense, coached by Ime Udoka, has been top-tier, but they've struggled lately with their perimeter shooting. They've only hit about 24% of their threes over the last six games. Against a Thunder team that leads the league in defensive field goal percentage, that could be a problem. Houston is going to need Alperen Şengün to dominate the paint and play-make for others if the shots aren't falling from deep. Şengün has been a triple-double threat lately, recently dishing out 11 assists in the win against Chicago.
The Southwest Division Race
While the Thunder are chasing the #1 overall seed, the Rockets are in a dogfight for the Southwest Division. They are currently 2.5 games behind the San Antonio Spurs (who are also playing tonight against Milwaukee).
Every win matters when you're trying to avoid the Play-In Tournament. A win tonight against the "Goliath" of the West would send a massive message to the rest of the league that Houston is a legitimate contender in 2026.
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How to Prepare for Tip-Off
Since this is a 6:30 PM local start, the downtown Houston area is going to be a mess. If you're going to the game, try to get there at least 45 minutes early. Toyota Center security has been pretty thorough lately, and you don't want to miss the opening tip.
For the bettors out there, the point total is set around 221.5. Both of these teams can score, but they also pride themselves on defense, so it might be a sweat.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your Prime Video login: Don't wait until 6:31 PM to realize you've forgotten your password.
- Monitor the Lu Dort status: His presence or absence will drastically change how KD is defended tonight.
- Watch the Spurs-Bucks score: Since the Spurs are Houston's main division rival, their result tonight directly impacts the Rockets' standings.
The Rockets are trying to extend a seven-game home winning streak. Against the defending champs and current league leaders, the Toyota Center is going to be electric.