After a strong start, the Rockets fall apart late against the Thunder [UPDATE]

Russell Westbrook, James Harden fantasy basketball, player prop recap vs. Pelicans

Fantasy basketball stats: Harden — 29 points, nine rebounds, six assists (51.25 FPTS), Westbrook — 32 points, 11 rebounds, 12 assists (70.75 FPTS)
Player prop record: Harden — 2-6, Westbrook — 7-1

Everything was going the way of the Rockets, until is wasn’t. Houston completely fell apart down the stretch and lost 112-107 after leading by as much as 17 and holding a double-digit lead with six minutes left. Harden did not have his best shooting performance from deep, going 1-17 and ending with 51.25 DKFP. Westbrook played well against his former team, putting up 70.75 DKFP and a triple-double. Ultimately, it was Chris Paul and his 50.75 DKFP who got the last laugh.

Third Quarter Update: Steven Adams (ankle) has been ruled out for the rest of the game and OKC is now relying on Mike Muscala to defend the paint. As could be expected, this is not going well. The Rockets extended their lead to 17 points with both Harden and Westbrook going off. Russ is up to 26 points and 51 DKFP while Harden is at 24 points and 44.5 DKFP.

Second Quarter Update: Could we be heading towards a game with two teammates recording triple-doubles? Westbrook finished the first half with 16-7-7 and 34.75 DKFP while Harden is at 18-4-4 and 30.5 DKFP. Houston leads 64-57 and the Thunder’s defense is currently in shambles. Not only was Nerlens Noel (ankle) a late scratch from tonight’s game, Steven Adams sprained his ankle and is questionable to return. The paint is wide open for the Rockets’ stars to attack the basket at will.

First Quarter Update: Russ is off to a better start than Harden early on in this one. Westbrook has 8-4-4 with 19 FPTS through 10 minutes, while Harden has seven points and three boards for 11.25 FPTS. The Rockets are in the lead, but the game is still close in the second quarter. Clearly, Russ is still in control of the offense right now, but we’ll see if The Beard steps in.

In what is perhaps the most anticipated matchup on MLK Day, the Houston Rockets welcome in the Oklahoma City Thunder for what should be a fierce battle between James Harden and Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul. It wasn’t too long ago these two teams met in OKC, and best believe that loss is ripe in the minds of Harden and Westbrook. As you prepare to take in plenty of basketball, we’ll be keeping you updated on Harden and Westbrook’s fantasy basketball and DFS stats, while also seeing how he does against his player props on DraftKings Sportsbook for the game. Here are the lines for their props:

James Harden player prop bets vs. Thunder

Point Total: Over 33.5 (-121)
First Field Goal: +400 — Danilo Gallinari
3-Pointers: Over 4.5 (+110)
Rebounds: Over 6.5 (-134)
Assists: Over 7.5 (-110)
Double-Double: Yes (+162), No (-200)
Top Point Scorer: -200
Points, Rebounds, Assists Total: Over 48.5 (-110)

Russell Westbrook player prop bets vs. Thunder

Point Total: Over 26.5 (-110)
First Field Goal: +650
Rebounds: Over 8.5 (+100)
Assists: Over 7.5 (-121)
Double-Double: Yes (-152), No (+125)
Top Point Scorer: +200
Points, Rebounds, Assists Total: Over 42.5 (-110)
Triple-Double: Yes (+400), No (-560)

So these lines slightly favor Westbrook considering how well he’s played lately, at least statistically speaking. Russ ($9,800) has at least 30 points in four straight games, one triple-double and one double-double in that same stretch. Harden has been struggling a bit with a few games below 40 fantasy points in his past four, including that 17-point outing vs. the Thunder on Jan. 9.

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