Watch the Los Angeles Clippers and Houston Rockets in action on Monday night as two of the Western Conference's top teams take the floor at the Staples Center. NBA League Pass brings a free preview, allowing you to enjoy the action online. Tipoff is at 10:30 p.m. ET.
The story revolves around Dwight Howard. Though he will not be facing the Lakers, he is back in L.A. for the first time since his move to Houston. Like always, anything involving a Howard deal is dramatic. It's fitting for Hollywood, but fans cannot stand drama. It will be interesting to see if any L.A. fans feel a certain way towards Howard.
It's not like Howard helped the Lakers win, which is a reason why Clippers fans should be upset with the center. However, they will have to focus on his dominance in the key. Along with Omer Asik, the Rockets are trying to go back to the basketball that dominated the league post-Michael Jordan and that was tall players in the paint. Asik will not score 30 points a game, but facing a DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin will give the center an advantage on offensive and defense rebounds.
The Rockets are undefeated in 2013, going 3-0 in their first three games of the year and Asik and Howard are a big reason for their success, no pun intended.
The Clippers have the option of running the floor as they have one of the best point guards in basketball on their side. However, the Rockets can run too. As much as James Harden can popup and shoot the three, he can penetrate to the hoop with his awkward footwork and release points.
Chris Paul will be a huge key in this victory. Wait, when isn't he? The Clippers have dynamic players and shooters that will have to spread the floor in order for Griffin and Jordan to continue their success from close range. The Clippers are 2-1 in the season, winning consecutive games after dropping their season opener against the Lakers.
Expect these two teams to make headlines throughout the regular season as they are two of the best teams in the Western Conference and in basketball.
Click here for live stream coverage, for free, as the Clippers host the Rockets on Monday night.
