Rockets Host Clippers in Rematch to Kick-Off NBA Cup Play
Part 2. Chase for the Cup. Red Flags.
It’s tough to beat the same team twice in a row, but the Rockets will aim for that goal as they host the Los Angeles Clippers once again on Friday night. Tonight is the first NBA Cup game for both squads. And Houston was also in the same NBA Cup Group as L.A. last season. Besides the Clips, the Rockets Group A in the West is comprised of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings, and the Portland Trail Blazers. It’s a winnable group for Houston, with the action starting tonight with a rematch at Toyota Center with the Clippers.
This will be the second time this season the Rockets have played the same team twice in a row in the same building. As the mini-series in San Antonio demonstrated earlier this year, it’s difficult to beat the same team in consecutive games. Both of those games were close, with the Rockets and Spurs splitting the pair. The first game against the Clippers on Wednesday could be a warning sign for tonight’s rematch in Houston.
Speaking of warning signs, there are some red flags the Rockets need to be aware of entering this matchup. Besides the challenge of beating a playoff-caliber team twice in a row, last game had some theatrics that don’t bode well for Houston entering tonight’s contest. Clippers Head Coach Tyronn Lue benched James Harden and the starters in the fourth quarter of the previous game. L.A.’s third-stringers almost propelled a successful comeback for the Clips, but the Rockets were able to withstand their rally. Don’t expect Lue to bench his starters tonight. Unless Houston has control of this contest in blowout fashion, which is unlikely.
Expect the Terror Twins to bring the usual intensity, energy, and defense that has sparked the Rockets over their current three-game winning streak. However, Houston needs more from Jabari Smith Jr. To begin his third season, Bari has struggled dramatically, and whispers of whether or not he should remain a starter have begun circling around the rumor wheels. Hopefully Smith can find his game like he did last season, as he improved throughout last year’s campaign. Otherwise, it may be time for Head Coach Ime Udoka to make a tweak in the starting lineup. This Rockets team boasts too much potential to hold back from putting the best lineup out their possible every night. The coaches know this. The fans know this. We’re still only a dozen games into the season, so I’d still give Jabari a few games to figure things out. But the clock is ticking.
Tonight’s matchup will feature the new NBA Cup Court for the Rockets, which once again looks like a bloodbath on a basketball court. Expect a close, thrilling matchup tonight. With more stakes on the line, and the challenge of beating the same team twice… the Rockets face quite the test on Friday night as they aim to go five games over .500 for the first time in four years.
Toyota Center: Houston, Texas
Jersey Colors:
Los Angeles Clippers (6-6): White
Houston Rockets (8-4): Black
Tip-Off: 7:00 PM CT
TV: Space City Home Network, NBA League Pass