The Houston Rockets (52-27) face off against the Los Angeles Clippers (46-32) tonight at the Intuit Dome, Inglewood, CA, with a 10:30 PM ET tip-off. This marks the fourth and final regular-season meeting between the teams, with Houston looking to complete their first season sweep of the Clippers since 2007-08.
Game Preview
Houston Rockets
The Rockets enter this matchup in excellent form, having won 15 of their last 17 games. Their recent defensive dominance stood out in a decisive 106-96 win against the Golden State Warriors. Dillon Brooks led the team with 24 points in that game, while Houston’s defense limited Stephen Curry to just three points and forced 20 turnovers. With a strong defensive rating of 109.9 points allowed per 100 possessions (third in the NBA), Houston’s stout defense has been their hallmark this season. Offensively, they rely on contributions from Jalen Green, who averages 22 points per game, and Alperen Şengün with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists per contest. The Rockets are in a commanding position as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, with the playoffs on the horizon.
One weakness to monitor is Houston’s free-throw shooting efficiency, which ranks 27th in the league at 74.2%. Their ability to improve in this area could be crucial in tight playoff scenarios.
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers, meanwhile, are fighting to solidify a top-six seed to avoid the play-in tournament. They’ve been in fine form, winning four of their last five games, including an impressive 135-104 victory against the Dallas Mavericks. James Harden has emerged as a playmaking force, contributing 29 points and 14 assists in that game. Kawhi Leonard has also been pivotal, averaging over 20 points per game this season. On the defensive end, the Clippers allow just 110 points per 100 possessions, ranking fourth in the NBA. This gives them an edge against elite offenses.
However, fatigue might play a role, as Los Angeles will be playing on the second night of a back-to-back. Leonard, who has occasionally rested in such situations, is expected to play tonight, but his full effectiveness remains uncertain.
Key Matchups and Defensive Outlook
- The paint battle will likely revolve around Ivica Zubac and Alperen Şengün. Zubac’s ability to slow down Şengün will be crucial in determining LA’s chances.
- The Rockets’ perimeter defense, led by Brooks, must contain the Clippers’ 3-point threats, as Los Angeles ranks 12th in 3-point percentage (36.9%) but takes a relatively low volume of shots from deep.
Betting Insights
Both teams pride themselves on defensive prowess, ranking in the top five in adjusted defensive efficiency. This suggests a tightly-contested, low-scoring matchup. Additionally, the Rockets and Clippers fall among the league’s bottom teams in pace, which further reinforces the likelihood of a slower, grind-it-out game.
Prediction
This game could go either way, with both teams showcasing strong defensive foundations. While the Clippers are desperate to avoid a season sweep and solidify playoff positioning, Houston enters riding high on momentum. Expect a close contest where defense dictates the outcome.
Prediction: Los Angeles Clippers Against the Spread (ATS). Total: Under.
