LA Clippers: Five must-watch games in December

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 22: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets dribbles into the defense of Lou Williams #23 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half of a game at Staples Center on November 22, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

4. December 19 – vs. Houston Rockets

For the third time this season, the LA Clippers will face the Houston Rockets. So far this season, the two teams have split their two games.

November 13 – Houston Rockets 102, LA Clippers 93
November 22 – LA Clippers 122, Houston Rockets 119

In the first game, Kawhi Leonard scored 26 points and was helped by Lou Williams with his 20 points off the bench, but it didn’t matter as James Harden erupted for 47 points. The Clips couldn’t get stops and the Rockets kept the game out of reach.

In their second game, Harden still got his to the tune of 37 points, but the Clippers prevailed. They got fairly even scoring out of their main four. Lou scored 26 points, Kawhi added 24, PG had 19 and Trezz scored 18. It was a balanced attack that culminated in a win.

The game remained close with the Clippers being down by five with a minute left in the game. Their two stars came up big to give them a late lead but it wasn’t over as the Rockets had a chance to make a game-tying shot at the end of regulation. The Clips got a stop though and came out with a win.

If that game was any indication, this third matchup should be an exciting one. Both the Clippers and Rockets are going to be jockeying for playoff seeding, so picking up the season series advantage here will be big. Yes, they face each other one more time in March, but every win counts.