NBA Game Preview: Los Angeles Clippers (25-27) vs. Houston Rockets (32-19)

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Game Overview

The Los Angeles Clippers visit the Houston Rockets in a Western Conference matchup on February 10, 2026. The game tips off at 8:00 PM ET at Toyota Center in Houston, TX, and will be broadcast on NBA TV, SCHN, and FDSSC.

Injury Report

The Clippers are shorthanded with several key absences impacting their backcourt and depth:

  • Darius Garland (Out – Toe): No timetable for return, delaying his debut after a recent trade.
  • Bradley Beal (Out – Hip Fracture): Season-ending injury after surgery.
  • Bennedict Mathurin (Out – Trade Pending): Acquired in recent deal but unavailable.
  • Isaiah Jackson (Out – Not Injury Related/Trade Pending): Similar trade-related hold.

The Rockets are without veteran starters in their frontcourt and backcourt:

  • Steven Adams (Out – Ankle Surgery): Season-ending procedure.
  • Fred VanVleet (Out – Knee ACL Repair): Likely out for the season.

No additional day-to-day injuries were reported as of February 9, 2026, but monitor for updates.

Key

Player Matchups

This game features high-profile clashes, particularly in scoring and rebounding. Kawhi Leonard (28.0 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 3.7 APG) will likely draw Kevin Durant (25.9 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 5.2 APG), pitting two elite scorers against each other; Leonard’s defensive prowess could limit Durant’s efficiency.

Alperen Sengun (20.8 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 6.3 APG) dominates the paint for Houston and will test the Clippers’ frontcourt, including Brook Lopez (defensive anchor with 1.04 BPG) or John Collins.

In the backcourt, Kris Dunn (Clippers) could handle Amen Thompson or Jabari Smith Jr., focusing on perimeter defense. Tari Eason’s energy off the bench (recent 26-point game) adds depth for Houston against Clippers reserves like Derrick Jones Jr.

The matchup favors Houston’s rebounding edge (48.8 RPG vs. Clippers’ 40.7), but Clippers’ shooting efficiency (47.9% FG) could keep it close.

Recent Team Forms

Both teams are .600 in their last 10, but Houston has home dominance.

Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers are 6-4 in their last 10, averaging 112.2 PPG while allowing 110.8, with strong shooting (50.2% FG).

They are 12-16 on the road.

DateOpponentResultScoreNotes
Feb 8, 2026@ MINW115-96Leonard’s 41 points led a balanced attack.
Feb 6, 2026@ SACW114-111Close road win with strong defense.
Feb 4, 2026vs CLEL91-124Struggled offensively against top team.
Feb 2, 2026vs PHIL113-128High-scoring loss at home.
Jan 31, 2026vs DENW120-105Solid victory over contender.

Houston Rockets

The Rockets are 6-4 in their last 10, averaging 107.7 PPG while holding opponents to 107.8, with elite rebounding (47.9 RPG).

They are 17-6 at home.

DateOpponentResultScoreNotes
Feb 7, 2026@ OKCW112-106Eason’s 26 points keyed road upset.
Feb 5, 2026vs DALL102-110Close loss to rival.
Feb 3, 2026vs NOPW118-105Strong home performance.
Feb 1, 2026@ SASW115-98Defensive masterclass.
Jan 30, 2026vs MEML110-112Tight defeat.

Series History

The Rockets lead the all-time regular-season series 129-93.

In playoffs, Clippers lead 5-7 series wins.

Recent meetings: Clippers won the last (Dec 23, 2025: 128-108), but Rockets are 5-5 in the last 10 overall.

Houston is 2-5 SU in last 7 vs. Clippers.

Betting Trends

  • Rockets are 2-8 ATS in last 10, but 22-23 ATS overall; 3-7 ATS as underdogs of 0.5-4.5, though favored here.
  • Clippers are 21-20 ATS, 3-7 ATS in last 10 road games; 6-4 ATS in last 10 overall.
  • Over has hit in 6 of last 10 for both; Rockets games under in 9 of last 10 (42.3% over rate overall).

Game Odds

Los Angeles Clippers      210.5

Houston Rockets              – 7.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, February 9, 2026