Thunder vs. Rockets Preview

The Thunder (3-0) tips off in Houston (0-3) tonight at 7 p.m. Here are a few things to know:

Dwight in, Jones Out

Dwight Howard, who missed two of Houston’s first three contests, and got posterized by the Warriors’ Harrison Barnes in the other, is back on the court tonight. Houston will need Howard badly against the Thunder’s dynamic offense.

However, forward Terrence Jones won’t play on Monday as he is still nursing an eye issue.

Harden’s brick house

James Harden loves to shoot, even when it’s not going down. Harden is 3 of 32 from 3-point range this season, including a 0 for 10 performance on Sunday against Miami. Expect Andre Roberson to draw that assignment as the Thunder looks to keep Harden's water turned off.

Back to the Finals?

The Thunder hasn’t started 4-0 since the 2011-12 season, and we all know how that campaign ended. 82-0 is a little unlikely, but 4-0 would be a mighty good start.