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Houston Rockets: 3 must-win games in the month of December

By Gavriel Wilkins

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - DECEMBER 7: Head coach Mike D'Antoni of the Houston Rockets looks on in the first half against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on December 7, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - DECEMBER 7: Head coach Mike D'Antoni of the Houston Rockets looks on in the first half against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on December 7, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /
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Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images /

2. Rockets @ Oklahoma City Thunder — Dec. 25

Despite not meeting the lofty expectations placed upon them this summer, the Oklahoma City Thunder still feature one of the most dynamic guards in basketball with Russell Westbrook, alongside of All-Star forwards Paul George and Carmelo Anthony.

The Thunder sit only behind the Boston Celtics in defensive rating, giving up a total of 100 points per 100 possessions while currently leading the league in steals with 10.3 thefts per game.

Although Oklahoma City currently sits outside of the Western Conference playoff picture, the Thunder have proven to be a tough challenge to some of the top teams this season, defeating teams such as the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors over the past month. And while they have struggled offensively, they possess too much talent to not turn things around for the better.

The Christmas Day matchup will be the first time the Rockets and Thunder face off against one another this season, and should Oklahoma City have its chemistry issues worked out, then it could make for quite an entertaining treat on ABC. These two teams could possibly meet again in the postseason as well.

Should Houston come out hot, then the Chesapeake Energy Arena could serve as the official stage for the Rockets to show why many regard them as a legitimate title contender in 2018.

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