L.A Clippers @ Houston Rockets Game Preview

Boom Dizzle and his crew in Los Angeles come to Houston tonight to take on the bruised and battered Rockets. Not the Fakers, that other team in L.A.... ah yes the Clippers, that's what they are called! Most of the Clutch City faithful probably have already given up on our playoff chances for this season but for those who have not it is not looking too good right now. The Rockets are 5 1/2 games behind Portland for the 8th playoff spot. We would also have to leapfrog the Memphis Grizzlies if we want that playoff spot. With 12 games left and all the injuries we are suffering through, I just don't see it happening. At this point for the Rockets its all about developing our younger players and trying to win games and gain experience at the same time. We saw how important Shane Battier was to our defense when he was out last night. On any other day I would have said this is an easy win for us but the size matchup between these two teams concerns me.

MATCHUPS:

PG: Aaron Brooks vs. Baron Davis: Jesus Christ what is with all these big point guards nowadays!? Aaron Brooks struggled mightily against the bigger Russell Westbrook last night at the Thunder. I would look up his stats against bigger point guards but I am pretty sure they are not very good. Brooks will struggle again on the defensive end against Baron and his beard.
ADVANTAGE: CLIPPERS (the beard certainly helps)

SG: Kevin Martin vs. Eric Gordon: Eric Gordon has had a legit year averaging 17 points, 3 assists a game and has really become a dangerous shooter out on the floor. As good as Gordon is the Speed Racer is just too good. Even with the shoulder pad he has on which for some reason reminds me of McGrady. Martin didn't have a good game last night but tonight he will get back on track.
ADVANTAGE: ROCKETS

SF: Trevor Ariza vs. Rasual Butler
Don't know much about this Rasual Butler guy but he is averaging 12 points per game in his 8th season. Nothing too special. Trevor Ariza shouldn't have too tough of a time guarding Casual Rasual. I love the way Ariza is playing right now. It seems like ever since we moved him from SG to SF he has been much better. Keep up the good work Trevor.
ADVANTAGE: ROCKETS

PF: Luis Scola vs. Drew Gooden
Drew Gooden has been playing well since he arrived in L.A via trade from the Wizards. He is averaging 15 points and 10 boards. That being said... Scola wins. Scola is playing out of his mind right now in the month of March and I expect a monster game from him tonight.
ADVANTAGE: ROCKETS

C: Chuck Hayes vs. Chris Kaman
I love the Chuck Wagon but Chris Kaman has had a borderline All Star season this year and he has dominated the Rockets every game this season. Unless the Chuck Wagon grows 6 inches I see him having trouble with Kaman.
ADVANTAGE: CLIPPERS

Bench: On any other day I would say this would be no contest in the favor of the Rockets but with all the injuries we have on the bench I don't see us winning the battle of the benches tonight. Unless Keith Jones can work some kind of magic I'm gonna have to give this one to the Clips.
ADVANTAGE: CLIPPERS

Prediction: This gonna be another tough game at home for us but I see us pulling this one out at home. Our backcourt will have a bounce back game tonight. Rockets by 4.