Rockets vs. Clippers Preview: Time to start a new streak

Will Houston Rockets comeback against the Clippers after the broken winning streak?

The Houston Rockets will take on the Los Angeles Clippers at Toyota Center tonight, just after the Rockets 14-game streak was snapped Thursday by the Los Angeles Lakers.

James Harden and Lakers’ Rookie Kyle Kuzma battled it out on the court. Kuzma scored 38 points, while Harden finished with 51 points.

It was a tough loss for the Houston Rockets, as Coach D’Antoni mentioned to reporter Jonathan Feigen that he was in disbelief.

Mike "Tongue in Cheek" D'Antoni: "I thought we'd never lose. I can't believe we lost."

— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) December 21, 2017

A Fun Reunion

This will be a fun game considering the team traded away Patrick Beverley, Lou Williams, Sam Dekker and Montrezl Harrell to the Clippers for Chris Paul. I’m sure all involved in this trade are ready to show off to their formers teams. And I’m sure a WIN over them would make their reunion even better.

Therefore, this makes the game more interesting since I’m sure the majority of these guys were shocked by the trade.

Just saying, If a team traded me I would want to CRUSH them out on the court! However, it is a disappointing that Chris Paul won’t be available for the reunion.

Chris Paul said he was given no timetable for his return. Disappointed to miss game against the Clippers, but said more so because of how Rockets had been playing.

— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) December 22, 2017

Injuries

Rockets:

Chris Paul: OUT.   Unfortunately, CP3 left during the fourth quarter of Thursday’s game with a strained left adductor.

Clint Capela: DOUBTFUL. Capela is more than likely not going to play due to a bruised heel.

Luc Mbah a Moute: OUT.  Luc will remain out after dislocating his right shoulder.

Clippers: 

Wesley Johnson: OUT. Johnson suffered a foot injury and as of today is out for a few days.

Danilo Gallinari: OUT.  Gallinari will remain out with a slight tear to his left glute.

Blake Griffin: OUT.  Griffin sprained his left MCL late in November.

Patrick Beverley: OUT.  Beverley is also out after hurting his knee in November.

Lou Williams: PROBABLE.  Lou Williams may be able to play against the Rockets as he is listed as probable with a foot injury.

Probable Starting Line-up

Rockets: 

F – Trevor Ariza

F – Ryan Anderson

C – Nene Hilario

G – James Harden

G – Eric Gordon

Clippers: 

G – Milo Teodosic

G- Austin Rivers

F – CJ Williams

F – Jamil Wilson

C – DeAndre Jordan

Therefore, can the Rockets comeback from such a shocking loss?

Rockets are still the #1 team in the Western Conference with a record of 25-5. On the other hand, the Clippers 10th in the Western Conference with a record of 12-18.

I am pretty confident that the Rockets can pull off a win despite Chris Paul sitting out.

So tune into ESPN at 7!

Next: The importance of Clint Capela