The LA Clippers host the Houston Rockets on Tuesday, February 10, with both teams managing key absences that could affect backcourt creation and interior depth. Houston enters the game fourth in the Western Conference at 32-19, while Los Angeles sits 10th at 25-27 after reshaping its roster at the trade deadline.
The Clippers ruled out Bradley Beal due to a left hip fracture and Darius Garland because of left toe injury management. The absences place added responsibility on Kawhi Leonard, who averages 28.0 points on 49.5% shooting, and on secondary guards tasked with maintaining offensive flow.
Los Angeles recently shifted toward a rebuild, trading James Harden to Cleveland for Garland and sending Ivica Zubac to Indiana in a multi-pick deal that brought back Bennedict Mathurin and Isaiah Jackson. Without Harden’s 8.1 assists per game and Zubac’s 11.0 rebounds, spacing and rim protection become lineup questions against Houston’s physical frontcourt.
Even with roster turnover, the Clippers arrive with momentum after wins over Minnesota and Sacramento, scoring 115 and 114 points in those games. John Collins’ efficient finishing at 56.6% from the field and Derrick Jones Jr.’s defensive versatility are expected to play larger roles as the rotation adjusts.
Houston’s injury report lists Steven Adams out following left ankle surgery and Fred VanVleet sidelined after right knee ACL repair.
Kevin Durant leads the scoring for Houston at 25.9 points per game while shooting 51.0% from the field, and his matchup with Leonard shapes the wing battle in half-court sets. Alperen Sengun adds 20.8 points and 6.3 assists from the center position.
The teams split their previous two meetings this season, with Houston winning 115-113 in December and Los Angeles responding with a 128-108 victory later that month.
