Clippers vs Rockets: Injury Updates, Team News, Match Preview & Predictions

Fixture: Los Angeles Clippers

When: Friday, November 22, 2019 10:30 PM ET (Saturday, 3:30 AM GMT)

Venue: Staples Centre, Los Angeles

Preview-

A contest awaits between Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Clippers as they sit third and fourth respectively.

Rockets had a few weaknesses exploited in their last game against the Denver Nuggets. James Harden, who had coming in with consistent scoring record, was held well by the Nuggets. The other players were not up to it and Denver managed a 105-95 victory, ending the Rockets winning streak. This raised a few doubts on the Rockets performance in the big matches. Harden still averages 38.4 points per game after 15 games in the season. Russell Westbrook, although overshadowed by Harden at times, has racked up good performances of his own. He will be facing his old Oklahoma City teammate Paul George on Friday.

Meanwhile, the Clippers will be coming into the game after a thrilling overtime victory against Boston Celtics. The game saw Paul George and Kawhi Leonard playing together for the first time and they did not disappoint. Leonard’s block in the last second ensured that the his team won the game with him finishing with 17 points, three assists and six rebounds. But it was Montrezl Harrell before that, scoring multiple times during the final stages to take the game for the Clippers. Another positive for the Clippers will be the performance of Patrick Beverley, who registered 14 points, 16 rebounds and seven assists on the night.

Clippers have one last three games and another win on Friday will take them level with the Rockets in terms of number of wins.

Injury updates & team news-

Clippers’ Landry Shamet is listed as out for Friday with an ankle injury. For the Rockets Centre Nene did not feature in their last game and might not play against Clippers. Gerald Green is already out for a few months and Eric Gordon for a few weeks.

The injuries shouldn’t be a matter of huge concern for either of the teams, and they might name a starting lineup similar to that in their previous games.

Predictions-

The duo of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard will be up against the duo of James Harden and Russell Westbrook. But considering how the Rockets fared in their last game, the Clippers might just have enough firepower to win the game.