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Houston Rockets At Los Angeles Clippers: Game 81: Sneak Peek Analysis

By Brian K. Patterson

Mar 16, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) fouls Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) in the second half at Toyota Center. The Clippers won 122-106. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) fouls Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) in the second half at Toyota Center. The Clippers won 122-106. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Houston Rockets will take on the 49-31 Los Angeles Clippers tonight, which could be somewhat of a preview for the playoffs.

The Houston Rockets will take on the 49-31 Los Angeles Clippers tonight, which could be somewhat of a preview for the playoffs.

Although there will be guys resting tonight on both sides of this match up, it still should be a fun one nonetheless.

So what’s next?

So who’s leading the charge for the Clippers?

Blake Griffin leads the team in scoring (21.7 PPG), DeAndre Jordan in rebounds (13.8 RPG) and blocks (1.6 BPG).  Chris Paul is in charge of the dimes (9.2 APG) and steals (1.2 SPG).

Let’s talk about what the Clippers do well.

They’re offensively potent and decent on defense.  The Clippers are 5th in offensive efficiency, averaging 109.9 points per 100 possessions.  The Clippers are 13th in defensive efficiency, allowing 106 points per 100 possessions.

They take care of the basketball.  The Clippers are 8th in turnover ratio, with 12.2 percent of their possessions ending in a turnover. 

They shoot extremely well as a team.  The Clippers are 4th in effective field goal percentage (53.6) and they’re also tied for 4th in true shooting percentage (57.4).

Next: James Harden To Sign A Super-Max Deal In 2017?

Injuries:

Ryan Anderson sprained his right ankle after getting tangled up with DeMarcus Cousins March 24 against the New Orleans Pelicans. Ryan Anderson returned to the lineup Friday night and scored nine points and three rebounds — including going 3-for-5 from behind-the-arc — in 13 minutes of action, being extremely efficient.  He had been cleared to play yesterday and the plan is slowly work his minutes back up over these last three games. He had 21 points, going 6-for-8 from three in 23 minutes of action against the Kings last night.

Sam Dekker injured his left hand after getting tangled up with Chris Dudley and Patrick Beverley for a loose ball in the 2nd half of Sunday’s match up with the Suns.  It has been categorized as a broken hand and is estimated to be out for the next three to four weeks.  He did have successful surgery to repair the damage Monday and will be re-evaluated in a week.

Nene Hilario and Lou Williams will likely be out tonight as Mike D’Antoni rotates his resting schedule before the playoffs start.

As for the Clippers, Austin Rivers (hamstring) will likely miss the rest of the season but should be good to go for the playoffs.  Diamond Stone (knee) is a game-time decision.

Source(s): Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, Calvin Watkins of ESPN.com, CBS Sports

Matchups to Watch:

  1. Patrick Beverley vs. Chris Paul
  2. James Harden vs. J.J. Redick
  3. Ryan Anderson/Montrezl Harrell vs. Blake Griffin
  4. Clint Capela vs. DeAndre Jordan

Prediction:

110-103 in a Houston Rockets’ win!

The Rockets are back on the road to take on the Clippers at Staples Center.

Tip-off is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. CDT.

The game will be televised on TNT and broadcast on SportsTalk 790 AM (KBME), Sirius/XM/SiriusXM Internet 890 and La Ranchera 101.7 FM (KNTE) & 850 AM (KEYH) in Spanish.

Go Rockets.

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