The Houston Rockets will get back on the court tonight, Thursday, Dec. 11, after an extended midseason rest courtesy of the exigencies of the NBA Cup. The Rockets will play host to the reeling Los Angeles Clippers, who have been dealing with a host of injuries to players as well as the reputation of the ownership group at their home arena of Toyota Center.
The Clippers should take the floor healthier than they have been however, and the Rockets are not without their own injury issues. But even so, we expect Houston to come away from this tilt with a win barring a significant upset.
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Records, standing, and streaks
At present, the Rockets have a 15-6 record, which puts them in the Western Conference standings’ third-place slot.
Apr 9, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Houston Rockets guard Nate Williams (19) is defended by LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) and forward Derrick Jones Jr. (55) in the second half at the Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Clippers are the owners of a 6-18 record, which has them second-worst in the West.
What happened in the last game for each team?
Houston lost to the Dallas Mavericks 122-109 on the road.
Nov 15, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) reacts after making a basket during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Los Angeles lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves 109-106, also on the road.
Injuries
For Houston, Tari Eason (oblique), Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) and Fred VanVleet (ACL) are out.
Nov 15, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Aaron Holiday (0) reacts with guard Fred VanVleet (5) after making a basket during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
For LA, Bradley Beal (hip) and Derrick Jones Jr. (knee) are out.
Probable starting lineups – Houston
Apr 9, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (15) shoots the ball against LA Clippers guard Bogdan Bogdanovic (10) in the first half at the Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Probable starting lineups – Clippers
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Here’s when you should tune in to see the game:
TV Channel: Space City Home Network
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Rockets vs. Clips: Stream, lineups, injury reports, broadcast (12/11)