Following a brutal start to the 2022-23 schedule with 10 road games in their first 13, including a pair of road trips of at least four games in length, the young Houston Rockets finally embark upon an extended home stretch with Monday’s visit from the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Rockets play within the friendly confines of Toyota Center for five of their next six games.
The Clippers and Rockets have already played twice this season; Los Angeles won both. However, each game was decided by single digits, including a two-point thriller in Los Angeles that wasn’t decided until Paul George’s game-winning shot in the final seconds.
The statistical standout for the Rockets in those two prior meetings with the Clippers was big man Alperen Sengun, who averaged 20 points (57.1% FG), 11 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 31.6 minutes.