The Houston Rockets will be without
Fred VanVleet,
Dorian Finney-Smith, and
Tari Eason, which funnels significant offensive responsibility to
Alperen Sengun,
Kevin Durant, and
Jabari Smith Jr.. Look for
Alperen Sengun to be a central figure in both scoring and playmaking. The LA Clippers, while missing
Bradley Beal (Out for Season) and
Derrick Jones Jr., still possess a formidable lineup with
Kawhi Leonard,
James Harden,
Ivica Zubac, and
Chris Paul. This game features a fascinating superstar matchup between
Kevin Durant and
Kawhi Leonard, and the Rockets' depleted backcourt could struggle against the Clippers' experienced guards. Expect the Clippers to try and exploit the Rockets' absences, while Houston will rely on high usage from their healthy stars.