Two huge teams of the Western Conference, Los Angeles Clippers and Houston Rockets, are set for a massive game at the Staples Center on Monday. The Clippers have been performing consistently in the league, winning matches with ease, and currently lie on fourth position in the conference.
Despite missing star player Blake Griffin, they have emerged triumphant, which reflects the quality of their squad. The Clippers will once again be without Griffin, who has not featured in their last 10 games. They might also miss the services of DeAndre Jordan, who is suffering from pneumonia.
Though they have been missing players of such quality, their team is only going to strengthen once the duo gradually makes a comeback.
"I think through this stretch we've improved as a basketball team," AP quoted Clippers coach Doc Rivers as saying. "And I think when DJ comes back first and then Blake, we're going to be a much better team because of all this. We've still got a long way to go and neither one of them are back yet."
Rivers knows they might have an imposing task on their hands without Griffin to control Dwight Howard, who can overpower the Clippers.
"We just keep doing what we doing," Rivers said. "We just have to play the way we have to play without those guys. We'll be fine, we'll be ready for sure."
Howard is not the only player who could pose problems for the Clippers, as the Rockets have another star player in the form of James Harden, who can win games single-handedly, which has been witnessed a number of times in the recent past. Harden averages 27 points per game (ppg) this season.
The Rockets have been in decent form, with six victories in their last 10 games. However, the Clippers could turn out to be their second stern test in a matter of days as they lost to Cleveland Cavaliers a couple of days ago.
If the Rockets are to move up the conference standings, they need to win such games, which will play an important role in helping their players' gain massive confidence.
Where to watch live
Los Angeles Clippers vs Houston Rockets NBA gameis scheduled for 10:30 pm EST (9 am IST, 3:30 am GMT) start. Sony Six and Sony Six HD.will offer live coverage of the Los Angeles Clippers vs Houston Rockets NBA game in India with live streaming on Livsports.
US viewerscan watch the Los Angeles Clippers vs Houston Rockets NBA game NBA game on TNT and ESPN with live streaming on TNT Online.
Viewers in Philippines can watch it on NBA Premium.
International viewers, including those in India, can watch all the NBA live action by live streaming on NBA Online.
