Game thread: Rockets vs. Clippers

Well, with the win streak over, it’s a perfect time for the Rockets to start another one, as they take on a shorthanded Clippers squad in the final contest of a seven-game home stand.

The Clips are without Patrick Beverley, Blake Griffin, Danilo Gallinari and Wesley Johnson, meaning the majority of their regular starting lineup is not playing.

The Rockets, however, are almost matching that, with Chris Paul, Clint Capela, and Luc Mbah a Moute also sitting. It’s probably a wise move with a Christmas Day National TV contest coming up against the Oklahoma City Thunder, so with the additional rest, we might see Clint and CP3 back for that one.

In the meantime, Houston will lean on The Beard to get things done tonight, and they’ll need a little more out of guys like Ryan Anderson, who’s been struggling of late.

I’ll also be looking for a big night from Eric Gordon and Trevor Ariza, who have both been playing well and will need to continue to do so to help pick up the injury slack.

As always, here’s AK’s preview, and the game airs on ESPN tonight in a just a few. See you there. Go Rockets!

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