The Houston Rockets are on a roll. Houston defied conventional wisdom with its decision to deal Clint Capela at the trade deadline and go without a big man for the rest of the season. Many observers (including myself) didn’t think this decision made sense, as it seemed like the Rockets were setting themselves up for failure. However, the Rockets have been much better with Robert Covington on the wing, and their decision to move P.J. Tucker to center has paid immense dividends. Houston has won six of its last seven games, and the Rockets will look to pick up another win in the Lone Star State versus the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night.
This game will take place at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on March 5, 2020, and the game will be broadcast on TNT.
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Head-To-Head Results to Date
This will be the final meeting between the Clippers and Rockets this season. Houston won the first game between these teams back in mid-November thanks to an offensive explosion from James Harden. Harden went 12-26 from the floor and finished the day with 47 points to lead Houston to a 102-93 victory.
The Clippers avenged that defeat 10 days later when Kawhi Leonard knocked down a jumper with 15 seconds left in a 122-119 win for LA. Harden popped off for 37 points in that game, but the Clippers’ bench was too much as Montrezl Harrell and Lou Williams combined to go 17 of 29 from the floor.
Houston won the rubber match between these Western Conference foes on December 19. Russell Westbrook was the star for the Rockets this time, exploding for 40 points in a narrow road victory. Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Harrell all played well in the loss, but we didn’t see great performances from the rest of the Clippers.
Injury Report
There are no injuries to report for either team headed into this game. That’s a rarity at this point of the season.
Matchup to Watch
Doc Rivers is one of the most intelligent coaches in the NBA, and he will look to exploit Houston’s lack of size. Tucker is 6’5, but he is playing the role of center for the Rockets as Daryl Morey continues to tinker with what we take for granted in basketball.
Los Angeles has some strong big men in Ivica Zubac and Harrell, so don’t be surprised if they see more time as Rivers looks to counter Houston’s speed advantage with size. Kawhi Leonard can take charge in the paint too, and I expect more of an inside presence from the Clippers. Harrell and Zubac are both sinking at least 58 percent of their field goals this campaign.
Game Preview
The Rockets were leading the NBA in three-point attempts before the Covington trade, but they have taken their propensity to shoot threes to another level after his acquisition. Houston is shooting 44.4 threes per game on average, and the Rockets are averaging over 50 triples a game since Covington came aboard.
LA has one of the best interior differences in the NBA, but the perimeter defense can be exploited. The Clippers are allowing opponents to make 34.6 percent of their threes on the year, so Harden and Westbrook can take advantage.
Prediction
Houston has two days off to prepare for this game, while the Clippers must travel to Oklahoma City to take on the Thunder this Tuesday night. That will give the Rockets time to rest, and they will be refreshed when they take on the Clippers. Houston is the play here.
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