Game thread: Rockets vs. Clippers

The Rockets will look to complete the series sweep of the Clippers tonight at the Staples Center.

Houston has beaten the Clippers twice already this season in pretty convincing fashion. They scored a season-high 140 points in their win in Houston on December 30, and gave the Clippers their worst home loss of the season on March 2 in a 122-103 win.

However, given the circumstances for this game, it’s safe to argue that we may not see the same outcome.

The Clippers have won five straight and are at full strength because they still have to earn their homecourt advantage. They can clinch homecourt advantage in their playoff series against the Jazz with a win tonight and a Utah loss to the Warriors at Oracle Arena.

Meanwhile, the Rockets have the luxury of knowing where they will playing and not having to worry about playoff position this late in the season. Therefore, Nene, Clint Capela, Patrick Beverley, and Lou Williams are sitting this one out. This means more playing time for guys like Bobby Brown, Isaiah Taylor, and Chinanu Onuaku, who is getting his first career start tonight at center.

The Rockets shouldn’t win this game, but if they do, it’ll make it that much sweeter. And who doesn’t love a good ol' victory against the Clippers in their building?