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Houston Rockets At Los Angeles Clippers: Game 61: Sneak Peek Analysis

By Brian K. Patterson

November 7, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) moves the ball against Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
November 7, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) moves the ball against Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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I’m scratching my head figuring what the hell happened to my Houston Rockets Monday night.

I’m scratching my head figuring what the hell happened to my Houston Rockets Monday night.

The Rockets, having lead by as much as 17 points, ceded the lead and let the Indiana Pacers walk away with the a sweep of the season series.

It was disappointing effort against a team they’re more than capable of beating and they must have a Plan B when the three-ball isn’t falling.

I don’t think we should necessarily live and die by the three-pointer.

But for now, the Rockets will take on the 36-23 Los Angeles Clippers tonight and they won’t be an easy task as they have some key, young pieces on their roster with a healthy mix of veterans.

And it will all be showcased on national television as the late game.

So what’s next?

So who’s leading the charge for the Pacers?

Blake Griffin leads the team in scoring (22.3 PPG), DeAndre Jordan is the top board-getter (13.7 RPG) and shot-blocker (1.7 BPG).  Chris Paul is in charge of the dimes (9.8 APG) and the steals (2.2 SPG).

Let’s talk about what the Pacers do well.

They play both ends of the floor particularly well.  The Clippers are 6th in offensive efficiency, averaging 109 points per 100 possessions.  The team is also 12th in defensive efficiency, allowing just 105.5 points per 100 possessions.

They take care of the basketball.  The Clippers are tied for 6th — along with the Chicago Bulls and New Orleans Pelicans — in turnover ratio with just 12 percent of their possessions ending in a turnover.

They shoot great as a whole.  The Clippers are 6th in effective field goal percentage (52.8) and tied for 6th — along with the Milwaukee Bucks — in true shooting percentage (56.6).

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Injuries:

There are no injuries to report for the Houston Rockets.

As for the Clippers, Diamond Stone sustained a bone bruise in his right hand and has missed time as a result.  He will be likely a game-time decision for tonight.

Source(s): Rowan Kavner of Clippers.com and CBS Sports

Matchups to Watch:

  1. Clint Capela vs. DeAndre Jordan
  2. Patrick Beverley vs. Chris Paul
  3. Trevor Ariza vs. Blake Griffin
  4. Ryan Anderson vs. Luc Mbah a Moute

Prediction:

110-106 in a Houston Rockets’ win!

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

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

The game will be televised on ESPN/ROOT Sports Southwest 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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