Rockets Seek Third Straight Win, Host Rising Clippers
Back to Work. First Appearance. Measuring Stick.
Fresh of the best game of his career, Alperen Sengun gets his Rockets ready to host the star-studded Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night. Houston is coming off a big victory over the Spurs last night with Sengun scoring a career-high 45 points. The Clippers have quietly crept up the Western Conference standings, currently holding the fourth position. Tonight’s matchup is James Harden’s first visit to H-Town this season. The former Rocket torched Houston in the first matchup between these teams in L.A. back in November, as he completed a clutch four-point play to seal a 106-100 win for the Clips. Besides Harden, the Clippers boast former All-Stars Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Russell Westbrook, who comes off their bench as the Sixth Man. Basically, they have four future Hall-of-Famers when have finally figured out how to play together. It’s a problem, not just tonight for the Rockets, but for the entire NBA, and the Clippers are legitimate threats to win the title this season.
The Rockets have to hope James Harden did some partying in retuning to the city he still calls home, as they’ll need all the help they can get against a very tough Clippers team. Houston’s road win over Phoenix a few games ago seemed like a turning point in season. The Rockets finally won two games in a row for the first time in over two months last night. If they want to push this streak to three games, they’re going to need a more balanced attack against a smart, veteran Clippers squad. L.A.’s center, Ivica Zubac, likely won’t allow Sengun to erupt for another 40-Burger tonight, so the Houston will need other players to step up.
This game is a true measuring stick to see whether this Rockets club has turned a corner as we enter the final 20 games of the season. It’s hard to beat the same team twice, as Houston showed in Phoenix, and the Rockets have been solid at home all season. But the Clippers are a top-tier that will test Houston’s resolve unlike most. Even if he was out partying, there’s no doubt Harden is motivated to beat his former team tonight. Can the Rockets match the Clippers firepower? We’ll find out tonight, as the Rockets play on national tv for only the second time all season. Hopefully the bright lights at home can inspire Houston to pull off the upset, and earn one of their best wins of the season.
Toyota Center: Houston, Texas
Jersey Colors:
Los Angeles Clippers (39-21): Blue
Houston Rockets (27-34): Red
Tip-Off: 6:30 PM CT
TV: ESPN, Space City Home Network