Houston Rockets vs LA Clippers Prediction: The Rockets lose way too much

The NBA Regular Season has brought to us many enticing battles and we have been blessed with a promising slate of games. The unprecedented rise of some teams have thrown the door wide open but it is TOO early to say which teams can sustain the momentum. Then there are squads still not finding momentum, and one of those squads LA Clippers will take on the Houston Rockets here.

The Rockets come into this game after an unsurprising 106:119 loss against the Pelicans despite a 33 points outing by Guard Jalen Green. The Rockets have been losing like expected and have only managed two wins in 13 games in what has been a repeat of the last season thus far. They are most likely heading into the lottery again and would like to get hold of Victor Wembayanama during the draft. But before that, the young core needs to develop much more than they have currently

The Rockets are an inefficient team and although Green has hit a sweet spot right now, he is a highly inconsistent player. Kevin Porter Jr. is a strong playmaker but his scoring can be up and down too. Sophomore Alperen Sengun has been having a remarkable season, and seems to have a long-term NBA future. Rookie Jabari Smith Jr. has amazing athleticism and discipline but his offense needs way too much work. The bench has sparks like Kenyon Martin Jr and Tari Eason but both on paper and on the floor, the Rockets look like an NBA B-Team.

The Clippers come into this game after losing 103:116 against the Brooklyn Nets in another underwhelming offensive showing. Just when it appears that the Clippers are getting back on track they have a big loss that sets them back. They won two in a row against the Cavaliers and the Lakers but overall, they have won seven out of 13 game, still looking for a big winning streak. Their struggles are magnified because Kawhi Leonard, their two-way superstar keeps missing games due to his knee injury.

And when Paul George isn’t shooting well, they seem to stand no chance. He has been carrying the offense during all games and apart from him, the team hasn’t received a 20+ points production from a player consistently. Marcus Morris has gotten his job done whereas Ivica Zubac has been a huge rebounding and shot-blocking presence while finishing inside. John Wall has been making some great plays while Norman Powell has been a bit up-and-down. Reggie Jackson’s form has become a concern as he has been uanble to get going in the early season.

• Rockets: OUT: Jae’Sean Tate, Bruno Fernando. QUESTIONABLE: Jalen Green;
• Clippers: OUT: John Wall, Kawhi Leonard.

• Expected Leading Scorers: Paul George(25+ Points), Jalen Green(23-28 Points), Kevin Porter Jr.(17-23 Points);
• Expected Leading Rebounders: Ivica Zubac(12-16 Rebounds), Alperen Sengun(11-13 Rebounds);
• Expected Leading Playmakers: Kevin Porter Jr.(6-9 Assists), Paul George(5-8 Assists).

The Rockets and the Clippers engaged in a couple of thrillers as the Rockets took advantage of the offensive frailties showcased by the Clippers. However, the Clippers won both games, thanks to their spectacular Guard Paul George. The Rockets may play without Green here and that can hit their offensive set-up. If he does play, they will stand a chance here.

However, I believe the Clippers will come up with a big effort, and apart from George, Norman Powell, Reggie Jackson, Marcus Morris, and Ivica Zubac will chip in with big contributions. That is why, I see a hefty Clippers win here with the points range being 220-230.