Houston Rockets vs OKC Thunder predicted starting lineups and depth chart for Dec. 14 | 2024 Emirates NBA Cup

A shot at Emirates NBA Cup glory is nearing ever closer for both the OKC Thunder and Houston Rockets, as they go head-to-head in a thrilling semifinal showdown on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena. Both teams have displayed strong performances throughout the NBA Cup, and impressive wins have marked their journey to the semifinal in Vegas.

The expectations fall heavy on both teams to lift their first silverware in decades, but only one will ultimately deliver. It will be a battle of tactics, resilience and skill between the two young and exciting Western Conference teams.

The winner of the game will set up a cup final against either the Milwaukee Bucks or Atlanta Hawks.

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Houston Rockets vs. OKC Thunder Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Chart for Dec. 14

Houston Rockets Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Chart

Ime Udoka will be thrilled to have the entire roster available, with Dillon Brooks being the only player listed as day-to-day due to illness, though he is most likely to suit up.

Udoka is likely to field an unchanged starting lineup featuring Dillon Brooks, Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun, Fred VanVleet and Jalen Green on Saturday.

Point Guard	Shooting Guard	Small Forward	Power Forward	Center
Fred VanVleet	Jalen Green	Dillon Brooks	Jabari Smith Jr.	Alperen Sengun
Reed Sheppard	Cam Whitmore	Amen Thompson	Tari Eason	Steven Adams
Aaron Holiday	Nate Williams	Jae'Sean Tate	Jeff Green	Jock Landale
	Jack McVeigh			N'Faly Dante

OKC Thunder Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Chart

Meanwhile, the Thunder head into Saturday's clash slightly short-handed, with Alex Ducas and Jaylin Williams ruled out due to back and hamstring injuries. They will join the likes of Adam Flagler, Ousmane Dieng, Chet Holmgren and Nikola Topic on the sidelines.

Barring any last-minute changes, Alex Caruso, Isaiah Hartenstein, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort and Cason Wallace are expected to be the starters.

Point Guard	Shooting Guard	Small Forward	Power Forward	Center
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander	Cason Wallace	Luguentz Dort	Jalen Williams	Chet Holmgren
Ajay Mitchell	Alex Caruso	Aaron Wiggins	Kenrich Williams	Isaiah Hartenstein
Nikola Topic	Isaiah Joe	Alex Ducas	Ousmane Dieng	Jaylin Williams
	Adam Flagler	Dillon Jones		Branden Carlson

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Houston Rockets vs. OKC Thunder: Preview

The Thunder defeated the Dallas Mavericks in the quarterfinal clash to secure passage to the semifinals. They topped a group containing the likes of the Phoenix Suns, LA Lakers, San Antonio Spurs and Utah Jazz with a 3-1 record.

The Rockets also had an identical run of results, securing a 3-1 record with victories over the LA Clippers, Portland Trail Blazers and Minnesota Timberwolves. Their sole defeat was a hard-fought 120-111 game against the Sacramento Kings.

However, they had to rely on Jalen Green’s clutch free throws and a bit of luck to get past the Golden State Warriors in the quarterfinals. Houston now remains within touching distance of securing its first title since its conference win in 1995.

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Houston Rockets vs. OKC Thunder: Head-to-head

The OKC Thunder will have the history books on their side when it comes to the head-to-head meetings against the Houston Rockets, going 122-118. However, recent matchups suggest it will be a close battle, with both teams holding a 5-5 record in the last 10 games, including this season's two encounters.