Game Preview: LA Clippers take on Houston Rockets
By Jakob Ashlin
The LA Clippers will face the Houston Rockets tonight. The game is following not only the postgame altercation between the teams last season, but the Rockets altercation with the Los Angeles Lakers last night.
Game Preview
The Clippers and Rockets are both entering this game with a 1-1 record. Both teams have playoff aspirations and have formed a rivalry over the past year. Chris Paul and the Rockets famously entered the Clippers locker room through a tunnel after their matchup last season.
We will look further at the key storylines entering tonight’s game.
Chris Paul’s Suspension
Things got heated last night in the Rockets win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Lakers forward Brandon Ingram pushed James Harden. Then, guard Rajon Rondo allegedly spit on Chris Paul. Paul then pointed at Rondo and poked him in the face. Mayhem ensued with multiple punches being thrown.
Paul is widely expected to be suspended and miss tonight’s game. The Clippers have a much better chance of winning tonight if Paul is indeed out. The next point guard on the Rockets depth chart is Michael Carter-Williams. However, Harden will likely be shifted to point guard and Gordon will slot in as the shooting guard.
Former Rockets Playing for the Clippers
A couple of Clippers will be facing the former team for the first time tonight. Forward Luc Mbah a Moute signed with the Clippers this offseason after being a key member of the Rockets team last season.
Patrick Beverley was sent to the Clippers as part of the Chris Paul trade, but he missed facing his former team last season due to injury.
Beverley and Mbah a Moute should have extra motivation heading into tonight’s matchup. Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell are former Rockets, as well.
The New Orleans Pelicans Blueprint
The Rockets lost their opening game to the New Orleans Pelicans by a staggering 19 points. The big men on the Pelicans thrived against Houston’s defense.
Anthony Davis posted 36 points, 18 rebounds, and 8 assists. Julius Randle had 25 points and 8 rebounds. Even, Nikola Mirotic had 30 points and 10 rebounds.
Outside of Clint Capela, the Rockets do not have any depth at center. They also lack a true power forward outside of Marquese Chriss.
The Pelicans have a strong rotation of big men and exposed these weaknesses. The Lakers could not accomplish this, because they have a thin rotation at center and power forward.
The Clippers should look to play through Boban Marjanovic, Montrezl Harrell, and Marcin Gortat. Especially, when Capela is off the floor.
Danilo Gallinari
The Clippers are coming off of a victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Danilo Gallinari was a huge part of that. He put up 26 points in only 27 points, while also shooting 62.5% from the field.
Gallinari looked sharp all preseason and that has continued in the regular season. If he can keep playing like this, it will give the Clippers a trio of talented scorers (Gallinari, Williams, Tobias Harris), and their offense will be taken to another level.
Tough Opening Schedule for the Clippers
The Clippers are in the midst of a brutal stretch of the schedule. They lost in a close game to the Denver Nuggets. Then followed that up by defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder. After tonight’s matchup with the Rockets, the Clippers will have to face the following playoff teams in a row: Pelicans, Rockets, Wizards, Thunder, and 76ers. Getting through the first eight games with at least a .500 record would help their playoff hopes.
Where To Watch
TV: Fox Sports Prime Ticket/ NBA TV (check local listings)
Time: 6:00 PST/9:00 EST
Venue: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California