For some Clipper fans, the matchup against the Houston Rockets brings back bad memories — memories of a 3-1 lead that turned into a 4-3 playoff loss in 2015, or memories of the confrontation in the tunnel of the then-STAPLES Center. Thankfully, the year is 2022, and the matchup between the Clippers and the Rockets pits the 8th place LA team against the last place team in the Western Conference.
The 15-41 record for the Rockets is not too big of a surprise for NBA fans and insiders alike, after the James Harden trade that sent him to Brooklyn left the franchise in a position to start from scratch and rebuild around their young talents.