No matchups today because I have a test tomorrow and I forgot to hand this preview off. Plus, you should be going to the game anyway since there's a sweet ticket deal being offered by this very blog.
Only a few days ago the Rockets were tied for fourth in the Western Conference. Now, we're one game ahead on eighth place and 2.5 games ahead of the ninth place Timberwolves, who hold the tiebreaker over us if it comes to that.
The Clippers are 21-13 and have enjoyed more days off than any other team in the league except Golden State. I realize that the Clippers didn't make their schedule, but it could come back to haunt them when they run through a schedule gauntlet. Also, the Clippers have been on television approximately 800 times this season by my count. Did you know they have Blake Griffin? And Blake Griffin can dunk? And that dunking is exciting? And that if Blake Griffin dunks it's really exciting? And that if Blake Griffin does an exciting dunk it is extra exciting and is guaranteed a top spot on every "Top 10 Plays" that a certain cable television network likes to run?
Oh, and not to mention the Clippers are really good as a basketball team. They've got this one point guard. He's good I think. Goes by "Chris?" It's this guy, I think, where he caused Kevin Harlan to sound evil:
Chris Paul two buzzer beaters vs Lakers (Apr 20, 2011) (via thehoopscene)
Also, he was on the Family Feud once, too. True story.
The last time these teams met, the Clippers exploded in the first half and missed absolutely nothing. Then when the Rockets dared to try to make a comeback, the referees put a quick stop to that rebellion and made sure the LA "Blake Griffins with the lob from Chris Paul's" won the game handily.
I'm not saying the Rockets are better than the Clippers. They aren't. It would just be nice to see a fair game with unbiased announcers. Unfortunately, the Clippers announcers are as bad as Bill and Clyde, so good luck with that, AK.
Tip is at 6pm CST.
Prediction: Clippers 107-95
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