Houston Rockets vs. LA Clippers: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info and More

In a battle between two teams off to surprising starts, the Houston Rockets (2-3) will travel to Hollywood to take on the Los Angeles Clippers (2-2).

The Rockets were not expected to do much this season, but they are tied for second place in the southwest division. I know that we are only five games in and a lot will change, so it's best not to get ahead of ourselves. Of course, with everyone else in the division having problems, who's to say they won't stay in the race all year long. 

The Clippers have not taken off like they were expected to after acquiring Chris Paul. It turns out that having two superstars and no depth behind them is not a great way to build a team. To make matters worse, the "other" team in Los Angeles is starting to get hot. 

Where: Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA

When: Wednesday, Jan. 4 at 10:30 p.m. EDT

Watch: NBA TV; NBA League Pass

Listen: KILT Sportsradio 610 (Houston); KLAC 570 AM (Los Angeles)

Betting Line: Los Angeles (-6.5)

Key Injuries

ESPN reports that Chauncey Billups will be back in the lineup after missing the last two games with a groin injury. 

The Rockets enter this game injury-free. 

What's At Stake?

The Rockets are still finding their niche as a unit this season, but they have shown good balance on offense and are making enough plays on defense to be a quality team. They have a chance to make a statement by going into Los Angeles and taking care of Blake Griffin and Chris Paul. 

The Clippers appear to be lost right now. They have shown almost nothing on defense, either preventing opponents from scoring or grabbing rebounds. This will be time for them to show what kind of team they are going to be this year. 

What They Are Saying

Chris Paul has not turned the Clippers' fortunes around as fast as everyone was expecting, but he is still trying to find himself with the team. 

He told J. Michael Falgoust of USA Today that he is making the adjustment to his new teammates and franchise.

"

I'd been with that team the past six years. You knew everyone when you walk into the building. You know every road (there) and different things like that. It's an adjustment period (in Los Angeles), but I'm excited about the adjustment. I'm excited to see what comes.

 

"

Rockets Player To Watch: PG Kyle Lowry

Kevin Martin might be the best known Houston player, but Lowry is emerging as a star. He is averaging 15 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds per game.

According to ESPN's Player Evaluation Rankings, he ranks ahead of Derrick Rose, Dirk Nowitzki and Dwight Howard. Whether or not he finishes the season there remains to be seen, but he looks fantastic right now. 

Clippers Player To Watch: PF Blake Griffin

We can argue about the lack of depth that the Clippers have this season, but at the end of the day their success or failure is going to come down to the kind of rapport that Griffin has with Chris Paul. 

So far, so good. Griffin is averaging 26 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. He has even chipped in with 2.5 assists per game. No one has been able to stop him thus far, so look for him to have another big game. 

Key Matchup: Kyle Lowry vs. Chris Paul

Right now, Lowry and Paul are two of the most exciting point guards in the NBA. Going head-to-head is going to be great for the fans to watch, and whoever wins this matchup will likely see their team win the game. 

Prediction

The Rockets are deeper, but they are playing their second straight game so the Clippers get the advantage. 

Clippers 97, Rockets 93

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