The Houston Rockets knocked off the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 2, tying the series 1-1, but now the Clippers get starting point guard Chris Paul back from a hamstring injury. Will that allow Los Angeles to retake the series lead at home, or will Houston use their momentum to get their second straight win?
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 Chris Paul – 19.1 ppg, 10.2 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 can Chris Paul do?
Paul's return from a hamstring injury is great news for the Clippers, and even worse news for the Rockets. Houston struggled to win one game at home with Los Angeles starting Austin Rivers at point guard, and Paul is an upgrade in every phase of the game. If can Paul can take care of the ball, score in double-digits, and keep the offense flowing smoothly, the Clippers will win this game easily.
Can Houston continue to get to the free throw line?
The Rockets were able to win Game 2 because they got to the free throw line an astonishing 64 times, doubling up the Clippers' 32 attempts at the charity stripe. That number drew a lot of criticism of the officiating, and that may make it a little harder for Houston to draw fouls in this game. However, they still need to get to the foul line at a high clip if they want to win this game.
Prediction: Clippers win 111-100
Los Angeles nearly won both games in Houston, and they're mad that they don't have a two game lead in this series. I expect them to play inspired basketball in front of their home crowd and hold a decent lead for most of the game.
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