The Los Angeles Clippers pulled off a shocking victory over the Houston Rockets in Game 1 without Chris Paul, and they'll be looking to do the same in Game 2. Will they leave Houston with a commanding 2-0 series lead, or will the Rockets find a way to even the series?
Projected Starting Lineups
(2) Houston Rockets (56-26)
G Jason Terry – 7.0 ppg, 1.9 apg
G James Harden – 27.4 ppg, 7.0 apg, 5.7 rpg
F Trevor Ariza – 12.8 ppg, 5.6 rpg
F Terrance Jones – 11.7 ppg, 6.7 rpg
C Dwight Howard – 15.8 ppg, 10.5 rpg
(3) Los Angeles Clippers (56-26)
G Austin Rivers – 7.0 ppg, 2.0 apg
G J.J. Redick – 16.4 ppg, 2.1 rpg
F Matt Barnes – 10.1 ppg, 4.0 rpg
F Blake Griffin – 21.9 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 5.3 apg
C DeAndre Jordan – 11.5 ppg, 15.0 rpg, 2.3 bpg
What to watch for:
What will Blake Griffin do for an encore?
Griffin has recorded two straight triple-doubles and carried the Clippers in Chris Paul's absence in Game 1. Los Angeles may rest Paul and his injured hamstring in Game 2, meaning they're going to rely on Griffin to carry them again. If he can notch his third straight triple-double - or at least get close to it - the Clippers will have a shot to win this game.
Can Houston cut down on the turnovers?
The Rockets turned the ball over an astounding 24 times in Game 1 (James Harden had nine by himself) which the Clippers were able to turn into 34 points. Los Angeles is already at a disadvantage because of Paul's injury, and Houston's turnovers neutralized that advantage they had. If they commit less than 15 turnovers in this game, they'll win.
Prediction: Rockets win 116-101
Houston already has their back against the wall in this series since they can't lose the first two games at home and have a realistic chance to advance, and that increased level of desperation will spark a big night for the Rockets.
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