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 Griffinleads the team in scoring (21.7 PPG),DeAndre Jordanin rebounds (13.8 RPG) and blocks (1.6 BPG).Chris Paulis 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 are5thin offensive efficiency,averaging 109.9 points per 100 possessions.The Clippers are13thin defensive efficiency,allowing 106 points per 100 possessions.
They take care of the basketball.The Clippers are8th in turnover ratio, with12.2 percent of their possessions ending in a turnover.
They shoot extremely well as a team.The Clippers are4th in effective field goal percentage (53.6)and they’re also tied for4th in true shooting percentage (57.4).
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Injuries:
Ryan Andersonsprained his right ankle after getting tangled up withDeMarcus CousinsMarch 24 against the New Orleans Pelicans.Ryan Andersonreturned 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 yesterdayand 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 Dekkerinjured his left hand after getting tangled up withChris DudleyandPatrick Beverleyfor 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 HilarioandLou Williamswill likely be out tonight asMike D’Antonirotates his resting schedule before the playoffs start.
As for the Clippers,Austin Rivers(hamstring)will likely miss the rest of the seasonbut 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:
- Patrick Beverleyvs.Chris Paul
- James Hardenvs.J.J. Redick
- Ryan Anderson/Montrezl Harrellvs.Blake Griffin
- Clint Capelavs.DeAndre Jordan
Prediction:
110-103in aHouston Rockets’win!
The Rockets are back on the road to take on theClippersatStaples Center.
Tip-off is scheduled for9:30 p.m. CDT.
The game will be televised onTNTand broadcast onSportsTalk 790 AM (KBME), Sirius/XM/SiriusXM Internet 890andLa Ranchera 101.7 FM (KNTE) & 850 AM (KEYH) in Spanish.
Go Rockets.
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