Rockets-Thunder gamethread: When a flopping object meets an irresistible Russ

Things are heating up in the Western conference playoff race! Prior to the Warriors-Nets game, TNT will be showing what should be a fun game between James Harden and the Houston Rockets and the Russel Westbrook-led OKC Thunder.

Now, on paper, the Thunder should be nowhere near the caliber of team that should challenge the elite Western teams like the Rockets and Warriors. But the Thunder play with a reckless abandon on offense, have a hard-nosed defense anchored by Steven Adams, and excel at forcing turnovers.

The Rockets are no joke. As real of a challenge as the Warriors have seen in recent history, the team from Houston has a leg up on the Warriors in the standings. Sure, it’s just a half game, but these are the final weeks of the season, so crazy things are going to happen - because that’s what we love about the NBA.

Don’t worry, we’ll have a dedicated gamethread for the Warriors-Nyets game later this evening, but wanted to be sure that Warriors fans have a place to call out Harden when he flops.