Houston Rockets vs CP3 and the Clippers: Game Day

Dec 30, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) fouls Houston Rockets center Nene Hilario (42) during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Rockets travel to the West Coast to take on Chris Paul and the Clippers

After the Houston Rockets loss to the Pacers on Monday, Coach D’Antoni publicly questioned the team’s resolve. He questioned whether this team had the fight needed in order to make a deep playoff run. And with the way the team played in the loss, D’Antoni’s frustration was justified.

Now, we can possibly explain the defeat by looking at the match ups involved. For the most part, The Rockets have struggled this season in protecting the paint and Monday’s contest was no different. But, if teams are figuring this out, Houston’s playoff run will be hard-fought. It is imperative that the bigs fight for boards and defend better. Tonight’s contest against the Clippers will be another test for our rotation of centers.

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The Rockets will face a fully healthy Clippers squad that is looking to climb in the Western Conference rankings. Houston is currently third in the standings and if playoffs started today the team would face the Memphis Grizzlies. These last few weeks of hoops are all about playoff positioning. It’s in these contests that a team takes control of their destiny, and not being dictated by it.

Can Houston hold off the destructive front line of the Clippers for a much-needed win? As long the Rockets shoot better than 10-45 from beyond the arc, I would say our guys get the big win in LA.

And it has to be said, how amazing of a fit is Lou Williams? In his three games with Houston he is averaging 24 points (4.7 triples), 1.7 boards, 2.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game.

Next: Lou Williams and Houston's playoff chances

The Rockets have a late tip-off tonight at 9:30 CT on ESPN. Be sure and follow Space City Scoop as our team of writers bring you all things Rockets.