Cooper Albers takes you through his preview, prediction and pick for Thursday’s NBA matchup between the Los Angeles Clippers and Houston Rockets.

Opposite ends of the Western Conference standings converge on Thursday night, as the Houston Rockets host the Los Angeles Clippers at the Toyota Center.

The Clippers (6–18, 14th West) have lost seven of their last eight, desperately trying to claw out of a hole they dug themselves into. They’ll attempt to rebound against the Rockets (15–6, 3rd West), one of the conference’s most formidable squads, who are hungry to bounce back from a blowout loss to the Dallas Mavericks. 

Here’s a look at Thursday night’s Injury Report:

Los Angeles Clippers

Out: Bradley Beal (Hip), Derrick Jones Jr. (Illness), Chris Paul (Sent Home)

Houston Rockets

Out: Tari Eason (Oblique), Dorian Finney-Smith (Ankle), Fred VanVleet (Knee)

Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. ET. Houston enters as a 9.5-point home favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, while Phoenix is listed as a +320 underdog. The game’s total is set at 222.5 points.

Clippers vs. Rockets Preview

Los Angeles Clippers Preview

A lavish new arena has done little to hide the complete dog’s breakfast that is the Clippers. LA has stumbled to a disastrous 6–18 start, with the veteran combo of James Harden and Kawhi Leonard unable to keep the franchise above water. 

The stunning release of Chris Paul sent the team even deeper into turmoil. Worst of all, there isn’t a cushy lottery pick waiting to break their fall at rock bottom — as they traded their 2026 first-rounder in the historic haul that sent seven picks and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to Oklahoma City for Paul George, who’s not even on the team anymore.

The Clippers feature a haphazard defense and one of the weakest rebounding efforts in the league. Their problems amplify outside of Inglewood, as they’re liable for a brutal 3–11 record and 25th-ranked net rating on the road. 

Houston Rockets Preview

The Rockets acquired arguably the most unstoppable scorer in league history this offseason and became a near indomitable force — who would have thought? Kevin Durant’s presence has bolstered a burgeoning young core — headlined by Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, and Jabari Smith Jr. — to produce the NBA’s second-best net rating, solely trailing the historically great Oklahoma City Thunder. 

Houston pairs a top-five offense with the second-strongest defense, all while leading the NBA with the most tenacious glass-cleaning effort on both sides of the ball. The Rockets are especially imposing at home, boasting a 7–2 record and outscoring opponents by nearly 14 points per game. 

Clippers vs. Rockets Pick, Best Bet

The Rockets are eager to rebound from an ugly loss to the lowly Mavericks in Dallas on Saturday, a game in which both Sengun and veteran center Steven Adams were sidelined. With them back in the lineup for Thursday, Houston should have no problems taking down the catastrophic Clippers.

Count on the Rockets to control both sides of the ball, dominate the boards, and bounce back with a statement home victory on Thursday night.

Best Bet: Houston Rockets -9.5 Points (-108)