The Los Angeles Clippers play against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center
The Los Angeles Clippers are spending $5,054,254 per win while the Houston Rockets are spending $5,572,471 per win
Game Time: 8:00 PM EST on Wednesday March 6, 2024
Broadcast Info
Live Stream: fuboTV (Watch for free)
NBA League Pass: The most live games plus NBA TV. Free trial
National TV: ESPN
Home TV: Space City Home Network
Away TV: Bally Sports SoCal
Home Radio: 790 AM / S: 93.3 FM
Away Radio: AM 570 KLAC/S: KTMZ
When the game is underway, you can follow it here!
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
@_Andrew_Lopez
Victor Wembanyama (right ankle sprain) is not with the team in Sacramento. Left Houston to go to San Antonio to be evaluated by team docs.
Still a chance he meets the team for Saturday’s game against the Golden State Warriors. – 1:51 PM
@JMcDonald_SAEN
Victor Wembanyama (ankle) is not with the team in Sacramento. He returned to SA from Houston on Wednesday (via van!) to be evaluated by Spurs docs.
Still a chance he rejoins the team before Saturday’s game at Golden State. – 1:51 PM
@hoopshype
Paul George passed Otis Thorpe in scoring last night. He’s No. 89 all-time now.
His teammate Kawhi Leonard moved past Peja Stojakovic. He’s No. 203 now 👀 – 1:39 PM
@LAClippers
The Klaw was active in the W 🖐️
🎯 Clippers @Kia Performance of the Game pic.twitter.com/QhzRoruuJa – 1:29 PM
@HoustonRockets
🚀 Rockets play… you win!
🛒 Use Code PQ @PizzaHut checkout.
🍕 pizzahut.com pic.twitter.com/7J0bqCjC3i – 1:05 PM
@Adam_Mares
GREAT show lined up today. Come join.
➡️ Brighter future: ORL or HOU?
➡️ Warriors bounce back vs Bucks
➡️ Nuggets-Celtics preview
➡️ youtube.com/live/F3tkmz5lh… pic.twitter.com/gyJZgVdcTg – 1:01 PM
@RealBobManning
Alperen Sengun: 68 PTS 35 REB 17 AST last 2 games. Bigger second guess that OKC passed on him in my mind after the Horford trade, but #Celtics did originally hold that pick. I think they made the right choice going the veteran route. @John_Zannis loves that ‘what if.’ He’s GOOD.. – 11:43 AM
@JakeLFischer
While Houston nearly signed Brook Lopez in free agency, Alperen Sengun was training to battle any competition at starting center, hang 45 on Wemby, and drop gaudy triple-doubles.
“If he was coming,” Sengun told @YahooSports. “I was fighting for my spot.” sports.yahoo.com/impressed-with… – 11:32 AM
@Adam_Mares
Which young core are you higher on? How close are the two?
HOU – Sengun, Jabari, Whitmore, Eason, Thompson, Green
ORL – Banchero, Wagner x2, Suggs, Black, Anthony, Houstan – 11:32 AM
@CBSSportsNBA
NBA Rookie Rankings: Victor Wembanyama doesn’t need to flex against Rockets big Alperen Sengun
(By @JasmynWimbish)
cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-r… – 11:30 AM
@Adam_Mares
Which young core are you higher on? How close are the two?
HOU – Sengun, Jabari, Whitmore, Eason, Thompson, Green
ORL – Banchero, Wagner x2, Suggs, Black, Houstan – 11:26 AM
@GoodmanHoops
GAMES TO WATCH:
* Odds provided by @BetMGM
Rutgers at Wisconsin (-9.5), 7 (FS1)
Washington at Washington St. (-6.5), 9 (FS1)
Colorado at Oregon (-2.5), 9 (ESPN2)
Sam Houston at Louisiana Tech (-8.5), 9 (CBSSN)
Arizona (-9.5) at UCLA, 9:30 (ESPN)
Utah (-6.5) at Oregon… – 10:21 AM
@LawMurrayTheNU
The LA Clippers and chairman Steve Ballmer announced that the Clippers, Intuit Dome, Ontario Clippers, and Kia Forum are now consolidated under Halo Sports & Entertainment
Promotion for Gillian Zucker, who is now CEO of Halo in addition to current role as Business Prez pic.twitter.com/GgAHtu9T6D – 10:11 AM
@Balldontlie
Alperen Sengun has been putting up MVP numbers over his last two games 🔥 pic.twitter.com/VtVCqPZKox – 10:01 AM
@APOOCH
Nets gave up a ton of core pieces and picks to get James Harden. Then they gave up James Harden for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, and two picks.
All said, this might’ve been one of the worst trades in a long time. – 9:42 AM
@Jonathan_Feigen
ICYMI, Rockets insider: How Clippers’ crunch-time execution was too much for Houston houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-n… via @houstonchron – 9:23 AM
@cclark_13
Most accurate 3-point shooting teams:
1) Thunder — 39.5%
2) Clippers — 38.9%
3) Timberwolves — 38.9%
4) Celtics — 38.6%
5) Pelicans — 38.2%
nola.com/sports/pelican… – 8:59 AM
@Eurohoopsnet
Triple-double for Sabonis in Sacramento’s win, Sengun recorded one as well, but in Houston’s defeat #NBA
Many other European players left the mark, more on another action-packed NBA night 👇👇👇
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/16… – 5:15 AM
@Eurohoopsnet
Triple-double for Sabonis in Sacramento’s win, Sengun recorded one as well, but in Houston’s defeat #NBAextra
Many other European players left the mark, more another action-packed NBA night 👇👇👇
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/16… – 5:13 AM
@JimOwczarski
Warriors withstand a third-quarter rally by the #Bucks to win, 125-90
⛑️Giannis Antetokounmpo spoke about missing the Clippers game with Achilles tendinitis.
🛑 Doc Rivers felt ball stoppage on offense = poor 1st half D
🙅♂️Jackson-Davis denies Bucks rally
jsonline.com/story/sports/n… – 2:23 AM
@LakersReporter
An 8-3 Kings run to start the 4th Q has LAL on the ropes, down 17 with 10:02 left.
They trailed by 21 early in the 4th Q vs. the Clippers last week and rallied to win, but had to play nearly perfect basketball. – 12:38 AM
@statmuse
SGA has 46 thirty-point game this season
The most by any player since 2019 Harden.
statmuse.com/nba/player/sha… – 12:37 AM
@Sam_Vecenie
Houston Mallette is a high-major kid out of Pepperdine. Big time shooter. That’s a good transfer portal addition. – 12:28 AM
@Jonathan_Feigen
Rockets insider: How Clippers’ crunch-time execution was too much for Houston houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-n… via @houstonchron – 12:27 AM
@Jonathan_Feigen
Rockets insider: How Clippers’ crunch-time execution was too much for Houston houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-n… via @houstonchron – 12:27 AM
@Eurohoopsnet
Alperen Sengun in the last two games 🚀
45 PTS, 16 REB, 3 AST
23 PTS, 19 REB, 14 AST pic.twitter.com/Ax1QscRZcP – 12:26 AM
@LawMurrayTheNU
James Harden signs off from Houston pic.twitter.com/66V83ourNv – 12:11 AM
@ByTimReynolds
The Kings were down 19. They’re up 21 now on the Lakers in the third.
Had they been down 20, we would have been guaranteed of a first in the NBA play-by-play era — three teams winning after being down by 20 on the same day.
ORL did it. LAC did it. (LAL and MIL still may.) – 12:11 AM
@JHarden13
You know how I’m coming about the H, forever indebted. Back to the crib though! #Uno pic.twitter.com/x3UAG7qtSd – 11:59 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
Last five Clippers games have been a bit too damn much 🎢
– Lakers: lead by 21, lose
– Wizards: score 140, lose Russell Westbrook to multi-week injury
– Minnesota: trail by 16, win
– Milwaukee: lead by 15, lose
– Houston: trail by 20, win – 11:38 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
Even including Monday night disasterclass in Milwaukee
Clippers have allowed 10 or fewer fast break points in 3 straight games for the first time since January 2023.
Tyronn Lue said challenge was made at half time to stop playing in mud while also cutting off Houston fast break pic.twitter.com/8t9GVOwDLc – 11:31 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
Thought this was one of the bigger takeaways from tonight’s game
The question of pace and the correlation of offensive efficiency. Not just running to run, not waiting to attack.
Tyronn Lue breaks down how much better Clippers offense is in half court when they operate early. pic.twitter.com/8VMVhYjcJf – 11:27 PM
@GoodmanHoops
Iowa State is now 24-6 and 13-4 in Big 12 play.
These guys just defend at such a high level and embrace their roles.
Cyclones can claim a share of the Big 12 title if they win at Kansas State and Kansas beats Houston on the road. – 11:18 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
Tyronn Lue on what Ivica Zubac was trying to play through while praising Daniel Theis and especially Mason Plumlee for their efforts in reserve tonight at Houston pic.twitter.com/ZPgYomJciw – 11:18 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
Paul George discusses his rare offensive rebound that basically iced the game tonight in Houston pic.twitter.com/48T1NxWgTf – 11:06 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
When Clippers games are on I black out everything else going on in the league for four hours… – 11:03 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
Paul George on another battle with Dillon Brooks, and balancing settling down with being aggressive. pic.twitter.com/98FvpN6Ek7 – 11:01 PM
@Matthew_Tynan
New @SmallMrktBias pod feat. @bouncepassos is up!
🏀 What went wrong in Houston, and what were the Rockets doing to control Wembanyama?
🏀 WE YELL ABOUT ESPN CLIP THAT WENT VIRAL (we didn’t really yell)
*recorded prior to learning of Wemby ankle sprain*
bleav.com/shows/small-ma… – 10:56 PM
@Jonathan_Feigen
Clippers 122, Rockets 116: Houston’s defense crumbles in season’s worst fourth quarter houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-n… via @houstonchron – 10:32 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
T Lue discussing pace after this one. But not in the way of just run run run
More like when Clippers have an advantage, GO. Be decisive. – 10:29 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
T Lue says that Ivica Zubac had headaches and wasn’t breathing well. Team didn’t want to risk him having to play through that after first half. – 10:26 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
Clippers: 14:1 assist-turnover ratio in 2nd half
Related: Zero fast break points allowed for third half in last three games. – 10:23 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
That’s 9 straight wins for Clippers vs Rockets.
13 of 14 overall. Only one Rockets got in that span was in May 2021 when Clippers may or may not have been playing with the standings – 10:20 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
Clippers centers +/- tonight in Houston
Ivica Zubac: -13 in 14:46 (DNP 2nd half)
Daniel Theis: -1 in 9:09 (DNP 4th quarter)
Mason Plumlee: +14 in 19:56 (DNP 1st half)
Neither: +6 in 4:09 – 10:16 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
My scratch notes from tonight in Houston
What you’ll notice — all the Clip runs in the second half, and zero Houston runs
7-0
7-1
8-3
11-1 pic.twitter.com/9GKIf8hKb8 – 10:13 PM
@NotoriousOHM
Clippers trailed 50-30 in second quarter but outscore Houston 92-66 rest of way. Ty Lue replaced Ivica Zubac with Mason Plumlee in second half and Kawhi Leonard scored 16 of his 28 and PG had 19 points after half. Clips could’ve gone 3-0 on trip if not for Milwaukee collapse. – 10:10 PM
@SIChrisMannix
Kawhi and Paul George with a couple of extra positive words with Alperen Sengun after Sengun goes for 23/19/14 in loss to the Clippers. At 21, Sengun is already an All-Star caliber player who is a beast in the making. – 10:07 PM
@Balldontlie
After scoring a career high 45 points last night, Alperen Sengun had a triple-double tonight against the Clippers despite the loss 👏
🔴 23 PTS
🔴 19 REB
🔴 14 AST pic.twitter.com/YEVcwTRYcx – 10:05 PM
@statmuse
Sengun last two games:
45 PTS | 16 REB | 5 STL
23 PTS | 19 REB | 14 AST pic.twitter.com/j7meQhp01k – 10:05 PM
@janiscarr
Clippers pull out a 122-116 victory against the Rockets.
“I just think we started competing a little bit more,” Plumlee said about overcoming a 20-point deficit. – 10:05 PM
@statmuse
Sengun tonight:
23 PTS
19 REB
14 AST (career-high)
2 STL
The first center in NBA history to reach those numbers in a game. statmuse.com/nba/player/alp… – 10:05 PM
@statmuse
Kawhi tonight:
28 PTS
6 REB
7 AST (0 TOV)
2 STL
11-18 FG
Scored 10 points on 100 FG% in the final 6 minutes. statmuse.com/nba/player/kaw… – 10:04 PM
@statmuse
Harden’s first game in Houston as a Clipper:
21 PTS
5 REB
7 AST
and a 20-point comeback. statmuse.com/nba/player/jam… – 10:04 PM
@PaulGarciaNBA
🎙️ New episode available
🏀 What happened in Houston?
🏀 Malaki Branham’s improved play since the trade deadline
🏀 Can the Spurs avoid the franchise record for fewest wins?
🎧 Apple podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the…
🎧 Spotify open.spotify.com/episode/6qW3GJ… – 10:03 PM
@AdamSpolane
Rockets lose 122-116. They led by 20 early but the Clips got it down to 13 at halftime and scored 78 points in the second half on 68 percent shooting – 10:03 PM
@Balldontlie
KAWHI CLUTCH AND-1‼️
(via @LAClippers)
pic.twitter.com/ADT5EtwzJf – 10:02 PM
@clutchfans
I think every single Rockets player made really bad mistakes in the final two minutes of this game. – 10:01 PM
@AdamSpolane
Rockets have fallen apart in crunch time and now VanVleet is down and holding his left ankle – 10:01 PM
@AdamSpolane
Nick Buchert hit Fred VanVleet with a technical after Sengun was called for a foul with the Rockets down 3 with 48.2 seconds left – 9:59 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
Toughest offensive rebound I’ve seen Paul George secure all season. And he draws his first shooting foul of the game. – 9:59 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
The basketball gods might be making their presence felt after they hacked Mason Plumlee… – 9:58 PM
@BobbyMarks42
Houston went hack a Plumlee down the stretch
– Missed 2 free throws
Did not foul in the next 2 possessions
– George 3
– Kawhi 3 point play – 9:55 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
Jabari Smith Jr. has 5 fouls after unsuccessful Houston challenge
Clippers on a 10-1 sprint
Kawhi Leonard has a free throw pending after scoring through Smith — 113-109 lead with 2:06 left
Houston has only one timeout remaining.
Running through the tape ⚠️ – 9:54 PM
@Jonathan_Feigen
Rockets bench screaming for a hack-a-Plumlee. No one hears it. Leonard hits a jumper through a Smith foul. Clippers up 113-109, their largest lead of the game, after a 10-1 run. – 9:53 PM
@AdamSpolane
The bench has been calling for the Rockets to foul Plumlee and they failed to do it on back-to-back possessions. George hit a 3 on the first and then Kawhi hit a jumper on the second and he was fouled – 9:53 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
Clippers in bonus last 3:21
Ime Udoka is hacking Mason Plumlee. – 9:50 PM
@Jonathan_Feigen
Looking for some stops, Udoka returns Amen Thompson to the floor with 3:22 left. Clippers 11 of 15 in the fourth quarter. – 9:49 PM
@LAClippers
That Oop tho 👀
HARDEN ↗️ MASON pic.twitter.com/iXcxikCX96 – 9:49 PM
@HoustonRockets
𝙝𝙮𝙥𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙯𝙞𝙣𝙜 😵💫
@alperennsengun pic.twitter.com/v8C5H2ngDz – 9:49 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
Alperen Sengun missed a free throw, and now Tyronn Lue is trying to ice him with a use it or lose it timeout
Tie game at 108 with 3:22 left to play.
It’s UTG vs Bet on Yourself
Clippers need Norm to get buckets out there in place of T Mann – 9:47 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
Ime Udoka calls timeout.
James Harden’s fourth quarter:
– 7 points
– 2/4 FGs
– 3/3 FTs
– 2 assists
It’s a 101-99 Houston lead with 6:14 left. The back-to-back edible hits both ways… – 9:39 PM
@Jonathan_Feigen
Clippers within two. They are 7 of 11 for 19 points in the first six minutes of the fourth quarter. Harden has been masterful in that stretch. – 9:38 PM
@AdamSpolane
Harden is turning back the clock as he finds Leonard for a 3 to bring the Clips within 2 with 6:14 left – 9:38 PM
@janiscarr
Waiting for that fourth-quarter comeback by the Clippers that has been trending in the NBA. – 9:34 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
First time Clippers are using Harden and Hyland together. They need the juice – 9:30 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
Through 3 quarters
Houston leads Clippers 86-80
Clippers started hitting paint HARD in 3rd, making 9/13 inside to pair with as many 3s (4/7) as they had in 1st half. Only 1 turnover.
But Houston had 0 3rd quarter turnovers. Jabari Smith Jr. leads Rockets with 16 points, 3 3s. – 9:29 PM
@Jonathan_Feigen
Rockets 86, Clippers 80. Clippers shot 14 of 22 in the third quarter. Had eight turnovers in the first half, one in the third quarter. Paul George was 1 of 6 in the first half, 4 of 7 in the third. – 9:26 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
Clippers just subbed Plumlee back in so it’s looking like Zubac will remain on bench for rest of game – 9:23 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
…and Daniel Theis is still in foul trouble if this challenge is unsuccessful from Tyronn Lue.
Houston already was in bonus last 4:37 of 3rd quarter. – 9:16 PM
@Jonathan_Feigen
Jabari Smith Jr. corner 3 gives his 16 points, his total from the previous two games. Rockets leading scorers, Smith and Whitmore, are 20 years old and 19, respectively. – 9:11 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
Clippers went on a 7-1 run but after George and Leonard missed 3s, Jabari Smith Jr. hit from corner to put Houston back up 74-63 with 5:10 left in 3rd quarter.
The bench is going to have to make an impact for Clippers, at least until starters can regain their breath – 9:10 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
Clippers opening up offense up a bit, getting away from just Harden and using George and Leonard as passers.
They unlock a 7-0 run and force an early Houston timeout.
Rockets lead cut to 60-51 with 10:03 left in 3rd quarter. – 9:00 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
Zu is on the Clippers bench. After first timeout, T Lue was talking to him as Theis subbed in. Clear that peak Zu is not back. – 8:57 PM
@Jonathan_Feigen
Clippers closed the half without a center on the floor. They are opening the second half with their third center, Mason Plumlee, who did not play at all in the first half. Guessing Ty Lue was not thrilled with the play of Zubac and Theis. – 8:57 PM
@AdamSpolane
Mason Plumlee starts the second half for the Clips after not playing in the first half – 8:56 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
Mason Plumlee is starting the second half in place of Ivica Zubac. – 8:55 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
The only thing Clippers have going for them is that Houston played last night.
But the same thing the Clippers might need to get back into this game (Rockets fouls) may be the same thing that helps Rockets keep control of the pace of this game. FVV doesn’t turn the ball over. – 8:54 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
Before the game, I asked Ime Udoka about guarding 3-point shots
Last year, Rockets allowed most 3s in NBA. This year, the Rockets foul a ton but teams miss 3s against them at a higher rate than anyone by Pelicans and Celtics.
1st half: Clippers missed 12 of 16 3s. No accident. pic.twitter.com/XWSeRHqwTO – 8:48 PM
@AdamSpolane
Rockets lead 57-44 at halftime. Sengun with 9 points, 13 rebounds, and 6 assists, but they had trouble getting him the ball when the Clips went small. Solid minutes for Jae’Sean Tate, who had fallen out of the rotation since the break – 8:45 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
It’s a 57-44 halftime lead for Houston
Clippers aren’t getting lit up by Sengun, but he is still on triple-double watch (9/13/6).
Bigger story has been bench play. Cam Whitmore has 12. So does entire group of Clippers reserves. – 8:44 PM
@Jonathan_Feigen
Rockets 57, Clippers 44 at half. Şengün with 13 rebounds. Matched career high of 16 last night. Rockets bench outscores Clippers’ 24-12. Kawhi Leonard with 12. Rockets will have to figure out how to attack the centerless lineup. – 8:40 PM
@statmuse
Sengun at half:
13 REB
6 AST
+19
Career-high in rebounds + assists in a half. statmuse.com/nba/player/alp… – 8:39 PM
@Jonathan_Feigen
Dillon Brooks 3 for his first points in the past two nights. Rockets needed that with lead shrinking. – 8:37 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
Ime Udoka takes a timeout after Norman Powell gets a fast break 3 following a Kawhi Leonard steal
Houston still leads 52-40 with 2:04 left in 1st half. Playing faster helping wake Clippers up a bit. – 8:36 PM
@Jonathan_Feigen
Clippers closing the half with a small lineup, sending double teams to Şengün on one end and moving the ball better on the other. Clips on a 10-2 run, cut 20-point lead to 12 with 2:04 left. – 8:35 PM
@AdamSpolane
Rockets 20 point lead has dropped to 12. They’ve gotten a little sloppy with the ball and the Clips are starting to make jumpers – 8:35 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
Clippers going small to close last 2:39 of 1st half: Harden/Mann/George/Leonard/Powell
They’re stuck on 35 points and down 17 – 8:33 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
Bench play in Houston though…
LA Clippers: 9 points, 3/10 FGs
Cam Whitmore: 12 points, 5/10 FGs – 8:29 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
This is an ass whippin here in Houston
Rockets have a 14:1 assist-turnover ratio and Clippers just look like they’re playing in a bayou.
A 50-30 Houston lead with 5:17 left, and Rockets offense isn’t doing anything spectacular. Clippers offense is simply horrible in every way. – 8:28 PM
@Jonathan_Feigen
Rockets on a 21-5 run to a 20-point lead. Shooting 47.1 % on 3s (rank second to last in 3p %.) Şengün has an outside chance at a first half triple double. He has seven points, 11 rebounds, six assists with 5:17 left. – 8:27 PM
@TheHoChen
#Rockets have 14 assists to only 1 turnover so far. Clippers have 2 assists and 6 turnovers. Rockets up 50-30, 5:17 2Q – 8:27 PM
@AdamSpolane
Rockets lead is up to 16 and now Tate will check in for the first time with Harden still on the floor for the Clips. Tate is the only Rocket still around from that fateful night in January three years ago when the situation got too crazy to fix – 8:26 PM
@Jonathan_Feigen
Jae’Sean Tate, who has been out of the rotation since the All-Star break, getting first half minutes. Picks up Kawhi Leonard. – 8:25 PM
@AdamSpolane
Rockets lead is up to 16 and now Tate will check in for the first time with Harden still on the floor for the Clips. Tate is the only Rocket still around from that fateful night in January three years ago – 8:25 PM
@Tjonesonthenba
So the clippers have just decided to not guard cam Whitmore tonight – 8:25 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
Once again…
7-0 Houston run
36-25 Houston lead
9:14 left in 1st half
Clippers with 3 turnovers in 3 2nd quarter minutes. It’s the steals that bite Clippers most, and Houston has a crazy athletic lineup on floor right now. – 8:17 PM
@Jonathan_Feigen
Rockets’ 13-point lead down to four on a 10-2 run. Rockets bench a combined 3 of 11 as VanVleet and Şengün return. – 8:14 PM
@Balldontlie
Hakeem Olajuwon and Elvin Hayes in the house for Clippers-Rockets 💯
(via @NBA)
pic.twitter.com/1LhQMKcbd6 – 8:13 PM
@Jonathan_Feigen
As mentioned in today’s Five things to watch, Clippers run more iso than any team, and they are among the league’s best at it. Rockets greatest strength defensively could be defending iso (up to a tie for second best after last night.) houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-n… via @houstonchron – 8:11 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
Houston extend run out to 12-0 before buckets by Powell and Hyland cut lead to 27-19 to end 1st quarter
Possession battle whipping Clippers again. Houston is up 4-0 on offensive rebounds, 2-1 on opponent TOs. Sengun has as many rebounds (8) as LAC starting 5 combined. – 8:09 PM
@Jonathan_Feigen
Rockets 27, Clippers 19 after 1. Rockets 4 of 9 on 3s, which is a bit different. Rockets with assists on 8 of 11 field goals. Harden with eight, and the Clippers only assist. – 8:09 PM
@AdamSpolane
Rockets lead 27-19 after a quarter. Dillon Brooks played all 12 minutes and didn’t score but played great defense just as he did last night – 8:08 PM
@Jonathan_Feigen
Speaking of rotation changes, Whitmore checks in for VanVleet, rather than Brooks or Green, as usual. – 8:04 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
7-0 Houston run
22-14 Houston lead
2:16 left in 1st quarter. Harden has 8 of Clippers points. PG and Kawhi are 1/5 FGs and haven’t gotten to FT line yet. Clippers trying to go at Sengun with downhill attacks, have only attempted 3 3s. It’s been humid. – 8:02 PM
@AdamSpolane
Rockets lead 22-14 with 2:16 left in the first. Really strong start for Sengun on both ends – 8:00 PM
@Jonathan_Feigen
Rockets going small with their first substitution. Amen Thompson in for Jabari Smith Jr. Smith could be a backup center tonight with Jeff Green out, though Jock Landale has been playing lately. – 7:57 PM
@Jonathan_Feigen
Rockets showing Şengün highlights from last night. Even with the long national TV time out, was not enough time for all of them. – 7:54 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
Clippers call timeout after Jabari Smith Jr. gets a corner 3 to fall from Dillon Brooks, giving Houston a 13-9 lead with 6:35 minutes left in 1st quarter
Clippers trying to get Ivica Zubac going early. Hasn’t gone well: Zu 0/3 FGs to start, and Harden post entry stolen 1st play. – 7:52 PM
@Jonathan_Feigen
Rockets open with VanVleet on Harden, which feels sort of poetic. – 7:44 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
Houston welcomes James Harden and the LA Clippers pic.twitter.com/8zxf8flWKl – 7:40 PM
@NickDePaula
James Harden debuts the McDonald’s All-American Game PE of the Harden Vol 8 pic.twitter.com/PCac6NtvQW – 7:40 PM
@Jonathan_Feigen
Brief but clear cheers for James Harden in introductions. Good number of Clippers fans on that end of the floor, but definitely louder for Harden than for rest of Clippers. – 7:40 PM
@TheHoChen
Houston showing its love with cheers when Harden’s name announced tonight at the Rockets game – 7:39 PM
@AdamJWexler
#Rockets hosting Clippers w/ this guy ⬇️ …next! Join me & @SportsMT on @SportsTalk790 now! pic.twitter.com/8ekZskQRz2 – 7:32 PM
@Jonathan_Feigen
Rockets starters: Brooks, Smith Jr., Şengün, Green, VanVleet.
Clippers starters: George, Leonard, Zubac, Mann, Harden. – 7:03 PM
@NotoriousOHM
STARTERS 3/6
LAC
Paul George
Kawhi Leonard
Ivica Zubac
Terance Mann
James Harden
HOU
Dillon Brooks
Jabari Smith Jr.
Alperen Sengun
Jalen Green
Fred VanVleet – 7:02 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
Tyronn Lue on Ivica Zubac trying to return to form, and playing against the multi-skilled Alperen Sengun
“It’s not going to be a 1:1 challenge. We all have to be there for Zu.” pic.twitter.com/vXU4wxMi5Y – 6:25 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
Tyronn Lue on Clippers offense tonight in Houston.
Also asked specifically about the Paul George vs Dillon Brooks matchup. Going back to Brooks in Memphis, Brooks relishes getting under George’s skin.
T Lue says that he likes George going at Brooks, but within confines of team pic.twitter.com/HWhBkBBxFC – 6:23 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
If one of these teams scores 120, something went terribly wrong tonight in Houston – 6:19 PM
@clutchfans
Ime Udoka on Dillon Brooks: “I think he made his name on the defensive side, so that’s kind of second nature to him. I don’t think he’s the happiest when he doesn’t score, but he’s a guy that understands the challenge and took pride in wanting that matchup (Wemby) last night,… – 6:14 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
Tyronn Lue mentioned today that Ivica Zubac is still finding his rhythm. Not just from last week’s illness, but also from January’s calf injury.
Acknowledges that tonight is a big night for Zu, but that Clippers need to help him as well. – 6:06 PM
@AdamSpolane
Jabari Smith Jr will play for the Rockets tonight, Jeff Green will not – 5:58 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
Ime Udoka on downplaying James Harden’s first return to Houston as a Clipper pic.twitter.com/hzhjHznKFs – 5:57 PM
@Jonathan_Feigen
Jeff Green (sore knee) is out for the Rockets. Jabari Smith Jr. (illness) good to go vs. Clippers tonight. – 5:50 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
Jabari Smith Jr. is working on the floor pregame. Listed as questionable due to illness and would likely be Kawhi Leonard’s primary defender – 5:39 PM
@HoustonRockets
Which team will call the first timeout?
@DraftKings | #Rockets – 4:47 PM
@RealDCunningham
Will be interesting to see if Damian Jones plays, and how much over the next couple of weeks now that Evan Mobley is likely to miss extended time.
Worth noting that Tristan Thompson is eligible to return from suspension on March 16 against Houston. – 4:15 PM
@KellyIko
Spoke with Ime Udoka recently about balancing the equal opportunity offense he talks about while also realizing the need to play through Alperen Sengun.
More here on @TheAthletic— theathletic.com/5315924/2024/0… pic.twitter.com/gfViAQFtKa – 4:01 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
Clippers FG% by quarter Monday night in Milwaukee:
1st: 63.2%
2nd: 42.9%
3rd: 37.5%
4th: 35%
Tonight, Clippers will face a Houston defense that is top five in defending all field goal attempts – 3:54 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
Clippers in Houston tonight, and Rockets have listed their top two power forwards as questionable on second night of back-to-back (Jabari Smith Jr. due to illness, Jeff Green due to left knee pain) – 3:50 PM
@AdamJWexler
🚨🚨TICKET GIVEAWAY 🚨🚨
I have 1 pair of lower bowl tickets for Clippers- #Rockets TONIGHT! Remember it’s a 6:30p tip tonight!! Just repost this & you’re eligible to win. You need an AXS account to get the tix. I’ll notify winners at 4p via DM. Good luck! pic.twitter.com/wJgRZ54WMX – 3:47 PM
@HoustonRockets
Back to business!
⏰ 6:30 PM Tip-Off
📺 @SpaceCityHN & @ESPNNBA
📻 @Sportstalk790 / En Español 93.3 FM TUDN
🚀 @ATT pic.twitter.com/i2pMH4ENG5 – 3:30 PM
@HoustonRockets
back at it tonight at the crib!
bring the energy, H-Town 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/OR52HybfgN – 3:00 PM
@Rockets_Insider
A lot of great #Rockets content out there. You can find content creators who focus on whatever perspective you’re interested in. It’s been fun to watch the landscape change over the last year. Trying my best to support by reading/listening/watching. – 2:57 PM
@Jonathan_Feigen
Rockets Jabari Smith Jr. (illness) and Jeff Green (left knee pain) are questionable to play vs. Clippers tonight. Rockets have had only 1 game this season in which Smith or Green did not start, loss in 2nd half of back-to-back to Boston. Whitmore started with Brooks at the four. – 2:23 PM
@CBSSportsNBA
Alperen Sengun says Victor Wembanyama ‘not that strong yet’ after scoring career-high 45 points on rookie
(By @jackmaloneycbs)
cbssports.com/nba/news/alper… – 1:54 PM
@Sportando
Alperen Sengun drops career-high 45 points in Rockets’ win over Spurs sportando.basketball/en/alperen-sen… – 1:49 PM
@AdamSpolane
Rockets list Jabari Smith Jr (illness) and Jeff Green (left knee pain) as questionable for tonight’s game against the Clippers – 1:42 PM
@JMcDonald_SAEN
Houston frustrated Victor Wembanyama into his worst game since he was teenager.
Was it a one-off for Wemby? Or did the Rockets unlock a blueprint for dealing with the NBA’s newest unstoppable force?
expressnews.com/sports/spurs/a… via @expressnews – 1:37 PM
@LawMurrayTheNU
Discussing Clippers missing Russell Westbrook at @BetMGM pic.twitter.com/ykBv5xaBJq – 12:47 PM
@GoodmanHoops
Pepperdine junior guard Houston Mallette has gone portaling, source told @TheFieldOf68.
Mallette averaged 14.7 points and shot 42 percent from 3 this season. – 11:57 AM
@LawMurrayTheNU
Lots of deserved Sengun praise
But two other items from last night’s game in Houston stuck out
1: Dillon Brooks attempted fewest FGs (0/3) in a 30-minute game in his career. Was a +20. He doesn’t sabotage offenses anymore
2: Fred VanVleet: 10:1 assist-TO. Possession battle. – 11:47 AM
@WillGuillory
Miami Heat over their last 14 games:
— 11-3 record
— 115.3 O Rating (16th in NBA)
— 107.4 D Rating (2nd in NBA)
— Wins over SAC (2x), ORL, MIL, Philly, NOLA
— Three losses came against LAC, BOS, DEN
— Butler/Rozier/Herro played together in 4 of 14 games – 11:26 AM
@HoustonRockets
A beast. A wizard. A magician.
Call it what you want to call it. It’s history.
@alperennsengun is the fifth player in history with:
45+ points | 15+ rebounds | 5+ steals in a game 👏 pic.twitter.com/NujO3uvY6I – 11:08 AM
@AdamJWexler
Tonight, after #TheATeam, James Harden returns (again) to Houston, #Clippers at #Rockets . Remember the earlier 6:30p tip tonight. @SportsTalk790 pic.twitter.com/S9R7iRcI1J – 10:50 AM
@Jonathan_Feigen
Rockets vs. Clippers: 5 things to watch with James Harden back in town houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-n… via @houstonchron – 10:05 AM
@Jonathan_Feigen
Speaking of Rockets centers, ICYMI, Happy to be in Houston, Steven Adams gets lay of the land in visiting new Rockets teammates houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-n… via @houstonchron – 10:01 AM
@Jonathan_Feigen
ICYMI, Rockets insider: How Alperen Şengün played ‘perfect game’ in win over Spurs. Jalen Green: “He was a beast. He played amazing. That’s the Alpi I know.” houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-n… via @houstonchron – 10:00 AM
@jkubatko
Alperen Sengun was 🔥 last night:
✅ 45 PTS (career high)
✅ 16 REB
✅ 5 STL
He’s just the fifth player to record at least 45p/15r/5s in a game since the NBA began tracking blocks in 1973-74 (a total of six instances).
Please read, share, and subscribe: statitudes.com/p/nba-game-not… pic.twitter.com/ueeaPJs5Br – 9:00 AM
@johnhollinger
What a game by Alperen Sengun last night. Career-high 43 pts, 16 reb, 5 steals. Just straight-up kicked Victor’s ass, repeatedly got into his body like this for easy buckets. pic.twitter.com/BbfrLE9Yfw – 8:37 AM
@GoodmanHoops
GAMES TO WATCH:
* Odds provided by @BetMGM
Villanova at Seton Hall (-1.5), 6:30 (FS1)
Houston (-8.5) at UCF, 7 (ESPN+)
Tennessee (-5.5) at South Carolina, 7 (ESPN2)
TCU (-5.5) at West Virginia, 7 (ESPN+)
Northwestern at Michigan St (-9.5), 7 (BTN)
FAU (-1.5) at North Texas, 8… – 7:53 AM
@Eurohoopsnet
Career night for Alperen Sengun at the expense of Victor Wembanyama
Losing efforts for Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic
#NBA #EuroWatch
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/16… – 4:16 AM