The Rockets (1-7) collapsed late and lost a heartbreaker to the Clippers (3-4) on Monday in Los Angeles. Two nights later, they have a shot at redemption in a rematch at Toyota Center in Houston.
For the Rockets, it’s their first time facing former teammate John Wall since his contract was bought out during the offseason. Wall, who could receive a tribute video, did not play in Monday’s game due to injury management on the second night of a back-to-back.
If Houston is to break its four-game losing streak, a huge priority will be better defense against Clippers star Paul George. A perennial All-Star candidate, George scored a game-high 35 points in Monday’s win. He went 15-of-26 shooting (57.7%) and 5-of-10 on 3-pointers (50.0%), including two big buckets in the final 40 seconds. He recorded 9 rebounds, 8 assists and 6 steals to lead the comeback.
The good news for Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., Alperen Sengun and the rest of the young Rockets is that Los Angeles will again be somewhat short-handed. Superstar forward Kawhi Leonard remains out due to right knee injury management. Veteran forward Robert Covington is absent, as well. He is in the NBA’s health and safety protocol.