Houston Rockets Vs. Los Angeles Clippers: Game 34: Sneak Peek Analysis
It’s back to the drawing board for Houston Rockets after having two days off from a wild stretch of games over the past week.
It’s back to the drawing board for Houston Rockets after having two days off from a wild stretch of games over the past week.
They’ll be undertaking back-to-back home games — they’ll be facing the 22-12 Los Angeles Clippers and the 16-15 New York Knicks tomorrow night.
This is apparently more of a trend in NBA scheduling as it’s more common to see a back-to-back road game.
The Rockets have a few of those scenarios this season so this is a nice makeup amid the team being on the road for the earlier part of it.
With Chris Paul and Blake Griffin being out of the lineup, this match up has been downgraded a bit but should still be one to see with the next men that are up.
It’s also worth mentioning that Sam Cassell will be latest honoree in the series of individual recognition during home games of this season, the Rockets 50th.
So who’s leading the charge for the Clippers?
Chris Paul leads in scoring (17.7 PPG), dimes (9.5 APG) and steals (2.2 SPG). DeAndre Jordan is the top board-getter (13.2 RPG) and shot-blocker (1.7 BPG).
Let’s talk about what the Clippers do well.
They have a well-balanced attack. The Clippers are 6th in offensive efficiency and defensive efficiency, averaging 109.3 points per 100 possessions. They’re allowing 102.5 points per 100 possessions.
They take care of the basketball. The Clippers are 7th in turnover ratio, with a measly 12 percent of their possessions ending in a turnover.
They shoot well as a team. The Clippers are tied for 5th — along with the San Antonio Spurs and Toronto Raptors — in effective field goal percentage (52.7). They’re also 7th in true shooting percentage (56.7).
Next: James Harden To Sign A Super-Max Deal In 2017?
Injuries:
Clint Capela collided into Karl-Anthony Towns Dec. 17th against the T-Wolves. He seemed to be in tremendous pain and could not walk on his own power to locker room.
It’s apparent that he has a minor fracture of his fibula and is expected to be out at least four weeks. Nene will have some big shoes to fill as Capela heals but the Rockets can press on without him.
It would be nice for the Rockets to make a deal for his replacement but I think the depth of our bench could fill his void.
Blake Griffin underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Dec. 20. He’s expected to miss four to six weeks as a result of his injury that he sustained earlier this month.
Chris Paul has been ruled OUT for tonight because of ongoing fatigue in his hamstring. As usual, expect Austin Rivers to get the start in his stead.
Source(s): Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers and Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle
Matchups to Watch:
- Nene/Montrezl Harrell vs. DeAndre Jordan
- James Harden vs. J.J. Redick
- Patrick Beverley vs. Austin Rivers
- Ryan Anderson vs. Luc Mbah a Moute
Prediction:
108-101 in a Houston Rockets’ win!
The Rockets are back at home to take on the Clippers at Toyota Center.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST.
The game will be televised on ROOT Sports Southwest/NBA TV and broadcast on SportsTalk 790 AM (KBME), Sirius 207, XM/SiriusXM 86 (Internet 890) and La Ranchera 101.7 FM (KNTE) & 850 AM (KEYH) in Spanish.
Go Rockets!