Los Angeles Clippers look to take down Harden-less Rockets

After beating them in LA on Sunday, the Los Angeles Clippers travel to Houston to take on a Rockets squad who are without James Harden.

The Los Angeles Clippers will yet again face the Houston Rockets, not even a week after they defeated them in LA. While they did not have Chris Paul in the last meeting due to his supension, he will return tonight. However, the Rockets will be without James Harden after he injured his left hamstring in a loss to the Utah Jazz.

What does this mean for the Clippers? Let’s dig in.

No Harden

The news of James Harden not playing is big for Los Angeles, who can lock up the season series with a victory tonight. The Rockets have been getting 28.5 points per game from Harden alongside 9.0 assists. That type of production is hard to make up.

Without him on the court, the Clippers can focus their defense on Chris Paul. Paul will face a variety of defense between Patrick Beverley, Avery Bradley and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. While Paul is still playing at a high quality level, with the variety of defense thrown at him, it doesn’t seem likely he will take over the game.

On a less significant note, James Ennis is also out for the game. This will lead to one of Michael Carter-Williams, Eric Gordon or even Carmelo Anthony starting. The Clippers, who (knock on wood) have no serious injuries will have the deeper roster for the night and should capitalize on that strength.

Luc Mbah a Moute is the only possible scratch and even that appears to be a game-time decision.

The Focus

Shai Shining

This might be Shai’s night to shine. Going up against the former star point-guard of the franchise, he can prove even further why the Clippers were so high on him. Last game, Shai posted a game-high plus/minus with +21 in 26 minutes. This was all while being assigned to guard Harden for a majority of time.

It was obvious that his length bothered Harden. While Chris Paul is not the same type of player and has ways to find his shot despite lengthy defenders, it will be interesting to watch Shai guard him.

On the offensive end, look for him to find his spots and attack the rim. He has begun to show a little more aggressiveness on offense and he can really capitalize if he does get MCW thrown on him.

Gallo and Tobi

The Rockets had no answers for Danilo Gallinari and Tobias Harris, who put up 20 and 23 points respectively in their last meeting. The two shined and with no Ennis, one of the two will likely have Carmelo Anthony on them for major portions of the game and can easily exploit that.

Gallinari has been playing out of his mind and if he can continue to knock the three ball down while the team finally follows suit, this game could be over quickly.

You can catch the game on Fox Sports West, NBA League Pass and Fubo. As always, follow along on Twitter for all your in-game coverage!