PREVIEW: The Los Angeles Clippers bring elite free throw shooting and efficient three-point range to Houston, ranking first in free throw percentage at 83.5% and fourth in three-point efficiency . However, they rank 28th in attacking the rim and 29th in tempo , which could pose problems against a stifling defensive unit. Coming off a convincing 115-96 victory over Minnesota where they shot 51.3% from the field and connected on 14 three-pointers , Kawhi Leonard continues his dominant stretch, averaging 28.0 points per game with 6.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists . The Clippers must navigate a challenging road contest without several key contributors, testing their depth against a Houston squad playing excellent basketball at home. The Rockets counter with league-leading offensive rebounding at 32.7% and rank second in midrange frequency , establishing physical dominance on the boards. Yet Houston ranks 30th in three-point volume and 27th in free throw shooting at 75.4%, exposing potential vulnerabilities in their offensive consistency. The home team boasts elite team defense, allowing just 110.0 points and holding opponents to 45.9% shooting , while Alperen Sengun averages 20.8 points and 9.5 rebounds, with Kevin Durant adding 23.5 points over the last ten games . This matchup shapes up as a clash between the Clippers' perimeter precision and the Rockets' interior control, with home-court advantage and defensive pressure potentially determining the outcome.