As the stakes in the Western Conference have leaped to new heights, the LA Clippers have a major game to show up for on the backend of a back-to-back, at home, against the Houston Rockets.
The Clippers address the Rockets on a five-game win-streak, beating the San Antonio Spurs less than 24 hours ago. The game was surprisingly close until head coach Tyronn Lue instructed his guys to smash the accelerator one last time in the final minutes.
Franchise superstar James Harden was the closest he has ever been to a triple-double, but unfortunately, he did not add to the record books. Nonetheless, Harden posted 21 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists in 38 minutes. This may be a bit too much action with the playoffs in the distance, but he is showing up for the fanbase by any means necessary.
Moreover, interior phenom Ivica Zubac made the game look simple in the paint, as the Spurs did not have their defensive suppressor, Victor Wembanyama. This allowed Zubac to leisurely stamp 24 points, 20 rebounds, and five assists in 39 minutes.
The Clippers almost had 20 points from Norman Powell, Derrick Jones Jr., and Bogdan Bogdanović, but Harden and Zubac had the game choreographed through them.
The Rockets, who recently clinched the second seed in the Western Conference, just helped the Clippers by winning at Golden State, 106-96. They pushed the Warriors’ record back to 46-32, as Dillon Brooks led the points column with 24 points, Amen Thompson flooded the stat sheet, and Jabari Smith Jr. almost had a double-double in the second unit.
Furthermore, given that Houston’s seeding will not change with a loss, head coach Ime Udoka may sit his key starters against the Clippers.
Will the former teammates, Kawhi Leonard and Fred VanVleet, matchup tonight?
As Kawhi Leonard rested yesterday, he is available, but Fred VanVleet is doubtful with a sore right ankle.
Remaining injury report for the Houston Rockets at LA Clippers on April 9th, 2025
The LA Clippers added a questionable status around Norman Powell(right shoulder soreness) to the injury report. Amir Coffey(knee inflammation), Patty Mills(illness), and Ben Simmons(injury management) will be out of head coach Tyronn Lue’s lineups.
The Houston Rockets have Jabari Smith Jr.(left groin soreness) and Alperen Şengün(lower back soreness) reported as questionable.
There is a possibility that Şengün and Smith Jr. will play, but the expectation is for them to be sidelined.