10 NBA things to watch for on Christmas Day

HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 7: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets handles the ball against Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 7, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – NOVEMBER 8: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on November 8, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /

8. Houston’s offense vs. OKC’s defense

After a slow start to the season, the Houston Rockets’ offense has begun to get back on track in recent weeks. They averaged less than 104 points per 100 possessions in October en route to a 1-5 record, but they lead the league in offensive rating since the beginning of November.

On Christmas, they’ll get to put that revived offense to the test against the Oklahoma City Thunder’s smothering defense.

Even with ace defender Andre Roberson having yet to play this season, the Thunder allow the fewest points per possession in the NBA. Carmelo Anthony’s departure opened the door for Jerami Grant to move into the starting lineup, where he’s paired with Paul George and Steven Grant to form a three-man wrecking crew on D.

Russell Westbrook’s defensive effort has waxed and waned in recent years, but he currently ranks seventh among all point guards in Defensive Real Plus-Minus. Backup guard Dennis Schroder, who has long been a defensive minus despite his athleticism, is putting forth his best effort on that end of the floor this season, too.

In early November, the Thunder held the Rockets to a season-low 80 points in a 98-80 rout. The departure of Carmelo Anthony, who shot 1-of-11 against his old Thunder teammates, may make this rematch closer, but Houston still may find it challenging to create open looks against OKC.

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