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Game 66: Houston Rockets At Los Angeles Clippers Preview

By Brian K. Patterson

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The Houston Rockets completed last week’s quest to thrive with an 0-2 record.

Both were extremely tough losses to stomach as the Rockets were exposed in terms of their lack of an inside presence.

Against the Portland Trail Blazers and Utah Jazz, they were out-rebounded by large margins — 60/40 and 57/37, respectively.

That’s a 20-rebound margin!

It’s clearly obvious that the Rockets are missing the presence of Dwight Howard who would’ve definitely made a difference in those kind of stats.

But as I’ve continued to say, the Rockets can’t make excuses and they must press on with the resources they have.

I wish the Rockets had made acquiring another big man in free agency a top priority but I trust what Daryl Morey’s doing to mold our team into a contender.

But that’s just water under the bridge.

Any way, the Rockets have a huge matinee match up today against the 42-24 Los Angeles Clippers, who are 1.5 games back from the Rockets for the No. 4 seed in the potential playoff rankings.

This game is a must-win for the Rockets as the Clippers look to win the series to alleviate any tiebreaker concerns.  They currently have a 2-1 lead.

This will be the last time they face each other this season and the Rockets proudly made a grind out of their last meeting beating them 110-105 Feb. 25.

For the Clippers, Blake Griffin leads the team in scoring (22.5 PPG), DeAndre Jordan in rebounds (14.6 RPG) / blocks (2.20 BPG), Chris Paul in assists (10.1 APG) / steals (1.90 SPG).

Griffin, a big cog to their engine, is listed as questionable after being out since Feb. 8 recovering from a staph infection.

ESPN’s Arash Markazi reported that Griffin has gone through a full workout and it’s likely he’ll back Sunday or Tuesday:

Whether he is in the lineup will make a big difference in regard to how the Rockets will employ their defensive strategy so we’ll have to wait and see on his availability.

Jamal Crawford is out with a bruised right calf and has been out the last four games.  There’s no timetable for his return but he hopes to be back in the lineup this week.

But let’s talk about what the Clippers do well.

They know how to put the ball in the hoop, whatever way they can.  The Clippers are 1st in the league in offensive efficiency, scoring 109.4 points per 100 possessions.

They don’t make mistakes with the basketball either.  The Clippers are 2nd in the league in turnover ratio with a minute 11.4 percent of their possessions ending in a turnover.

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One of the most important match ups to watch today will be between Donatas Motiejunas and Jordan.  Jordan has averaged 18.5 boards per game since Griffin has been out and it will be intriguing to see how D-Mo can stop that.  Jordan had 19 boards in their last meeting.

We may even see some brief defensive switches where we have Terrence Jones or Josh Smith cover him as well.

Also keep your eye on Patrick Beverley going up against Chris Paul, the motor to the Clippers’ engine, because shutting him down could very well be the difference maker for the Rockets.  They are feisty competitors as they usually go at it each other hard each time they meet.

All in all, this game will take every ounce of all of the Rockets’ talent to beat them, and if Griffin is available, it diminishes their chances with a lack of inside presence.

We can only hope for the best as I’m optimistic they can beat them as did previously.  They need to try not to complicate their defensive strategies and keep it simple by playing hard-nosed for 48 minutes.

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Three Things to Watch:

1.  Will Griffin return?

2. D-Mo vs. Jordan

3. Beverley vs. Paul

Prediction:

106-100 in a Rockets’ loss.

The Rockets take on the Clippers today on the road at STAPLES Center.

Tip-off is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CDT.

The game will be televised on ABC and broadcast on SportsTalk 790 AM/ESPN Radio 97.5 FM (KFNC).

Go Rockets!

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