Considered a barometer test by Rockets head coach Ime Udoka, Houston avenged its worst loss of the season. Previous iterations of the Thunder and Rockets have had intended rivalries. While these groups haven't reached that point yet,

However, for as agonizing as the Thunder's 119-116 loss to the Rockets was, it also serves as a meaningful game in the long run. “Really high-level game, first of all, I thought both teams really competed,

Fred VanVleet had a season-high 38 points and Dillon Brooks made a go-ahead jump shot late to help the Houston Rockets to a 119-116 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder Sunday night.

The same cast of characters will be out for the Thunder. Chet Holmgren (hip fracture) is out. Jaylin Williams (hamstring strain) is out. Ousmane Dieng (finger fracture) is out. Alex Caruso (hip strain) is out. Nikola Topic (torn ACL) is out. Alex Ducas (G League two-way) is out.

Here's a preview of the game, including score predictions, betting odds and injury updates. More: NBA Cup clinching scenarios: What's at stake for OKC Thunder on final day of grou