LA Clippers: Chris Paul returns for first time as a Houston Rocket

Blake Griffin and the LA Clippers look to make Chris Paul’s first visit a memorable one when the Houston Rockets visit Staples Center.

The pain is still real, especially when I turn to a different game and see Chris Paul in his red and white jersey. It still stings and even though the wound is healing, it will still hurt to see the “Point God” in another uniform. It will be without a doubt emotional for everyone that is in the arena and those that watch or listen to the game.

Leaving the Clippers by trade might soften the blow for some since he did not just up and leave. However, when he returns he will be playing for a team that is ten games ahead of the Clippers in the standings and while Houston has high hopes, the Clippers seem to be waiting in the brush, exactly where they want to be, while the team heals from various injuries.

Houston’s offense is predicated on shooters. It would give the Clippers a handful even if they were fully healthy, but fear not because the Clippers have a scrappy bunch likened to a Detroit Pistons team of the early 2000’s. With injuries the Clippers will rely on their rookie guards to give Paul some fits. James Harden will be out, so the Rockets will rely on Paul to get them looks. He’s going to want to make a statement against his former team, so expect him to be aggressive in his scoring approach.

Paul missed his first game against the Clippers due to injury, which ended with an LA victory. That game would end in controversy because of missed calls, which Houston even requested a review of the game but later rescinded their complaint. With Harden missing this one, the Clippers may be able to squeak out a win against a weakened offense.

A different game

The Clippers were without Blake Griffin in their win against the Rockets on Dec. 22. We can expect him to leave his mark, as well as assisting Milos Teodosic in ball handling.

Austin Rivers and DeAndre Jordan were just monsters against the Rockets in their first match up. Rivers posting 35 points and seven assists, and DeAndre Jordan with 20 points and 17 rebounds. With Rivers out and Jordan possibly joining him in street clothes the team will need big contributions from their reserves.

The bench, which has at times become the starters, has been nothing short of amazing. They have kept the team in games and with a 50 point performance by Lou Williams against the Warriors they are winning games. The package of players coming over in the Houston trade have paid dividends. While the team deals with injury they will need Montrezl Harrell and Willie Reed to cause some controlled chaos in the paint allowing Griffin to quarterback the offense. Clint Capela brings his motor which will get looks at the rim with Paul throwing lobs.

The Rockets are a different team with Paul leading them, they won their last game with mid range jumpers compared to the long ball and eating rebounds to notch the win. The Clippers bigs are fun and their athleticism doesn’t drop off much from starters to reserves. Expect them to eat and eat some more when harassing Ryan Anderson down low.

Guards

While the Clippers did lose their future hall-of-famer, they did get back in the trade a professional assassin (bucket go getter) in Williams. He’s arguably been the MVP of the team so far this season, from keeping the team in games to winning them with big contributions in games against the Warriors and Rockets. The Rockets will have their hands full and while Paul is excellent on defense, Williams is scorching teams like it’s AAU.

Expect Williams to go off and Teodosic to dazzle with head spinning assists. This is where it could go either way with the teams. If the Clippers can limit Paul and trap him early getting the ball out of his hand they will be able to sputter the Rocket offense. Likely leading into tipped passes and 24 second violations, it’s a lot to ask to slow down this Rocket train, the Clippers have what it takes with the grit and the desire they play with.

Eric Gordon, another former Clipper, could not miss in the previous game so expect him to get good looks and cuts to the rim. If Gordon is lights out and is doing the right things it will be that much tougher to get the win. The team could really use Patrick Beverley in this game, but will still get some tough defense from Jawun Evans who was +20 with 15 points off the bench last time these two met.

Quick Thoughts

The Clippers guards need to be aware of Paul’s tendencies and his spots on the floor.

Watch for Houston switching off the 1 and 4 on the pick and roll of the Clippers.

Jordan could be the difference maker for the Clippers if he can play and take advantage down low.