In the NBA Cup Western Conference semi-finals the Rockets and Thunder will meet in Las Vegas. Look for Amen Thompson to play a big role with his ability to guard all over the floor against the Thunder. Thompson has been a bit more aggressive with his shot selection in his second year. Expect a couple of trips to the free throw line, and enough common baskets to clear his points prop. Take his over.

Both the Thunder and Rockets are elite defensive teams, but this is like a mini playoff game and in the end, though I believe it will be a tough, defensive battle for most of the night, OKC's ability to create individual offense with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams will allow them to pull away down the stretch.

We're not sure the Rockets should even be here in Las Vegas, after getting a controversial whistle in their favor in the final three seconds vs. the Warriors in Thursday's quarterfinals. 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 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 126-107, up 24 at the half as SGA again was hot (29 points). Play Thunder (at T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas)

FanDuel. Back to the well with Isaiah Hartenstein, this time with his combined points and rebounds line. He’s cleared this number in 7/9, including a 32 P+R outing against the Rockets. He’ll be needed for big minutes against Sengun, and the big man will have a softer matchup than his perimeter counterparts. The Rockets are below average defending roll-men in the pick and roll, and rim-running big men have produced against them of late.