James Harden returns to Houston, the city he once dominated in Rockets red. His legendary run remains unforgettable, making this comeback feel almost fated. The Clippers guard is on the cusp of a historical landmark that can be made tonight at the Toyota Center. Sounds familiar? But before moving any further, here’s the thorough run-through of the two teams about who’s suiting up tonight and who’s sitting out.

The good news for both teams is that neither has added any new players to their injury list. The only player under observation is Rockets’ center Steven Adams, whose return to the team remains in question due to a knee injury. He was given a rest in the previous regular-season matchup but could make an appearance tonight. Meanwhile, N’Faly Dante will miss the clash because of his two-way contract with the franchise.

That said, the Clippers will be without Kawhi Leonard and Mo Bamba due to knee injuries. With no definite timeline for their return, their status will remain closely monitored as the season unfolds. This provides a clearer picture of the team’s depth chart and their overall rotation.

Clippers vs Rockets: Depth Chart

It comes as no surprise that the Clippers would stick with their usual and most reliable starting five, with James Harden taking on a leading role. Norman Powell and Terance Mann’s versatility could also play a major part, as both have become key contributors to the team.

Meanwhile, Ivica Zubac, the team’s primary rim protector, will be expected to grab as many rebounds as possible, especially given the team’s defensive struggles this season. The Croatian 7-footer has already averaged 12.3 rebounds per game, so the rim is in capable hands. As for Kris Dunn, while he hasn’t had the opportunity to showcase his A-game yet, he has certainly found a rhythm with his new team.

The Rockets’ blend of youth and veterans has helped them post an 8-4 record early in the season. While it may not be considered an elite start, it’s a significant improvement over last season, and much of the credit goes to Jalen Green. The 22-year-old has impressed with an average of 20.8 points per game and has become a key player for the team.

Their floor general, Fred VanVleet, also poses a potential defensive threat to the Clippers. Alongside him, the 6-foot-8 Tari Eason will play a crucial role in maintaining balance at both ends of the court. Coming off the bench will be Amen Thompson, who has grabbed all the attention with his offensive prowess.

Head-to-Head

The Clippers have largely dominated the Rockets since the 2021-22 regular season, with the Rockets winning only twice (including the last game) out of eleven games. However, the Clippers have yet to match the Rockets’ impressive 126 game wins, compared to their 91.

Given the way both teams performed in their last game, it doesn’t seem likely that the Clippers will maintain their supremacy record over the Rockets. However, they will need to push for it, especially with James Harden looking to have a big night.

Clippers look to have big night with charged-up James Harden

The start of the In-Season Tournament could mark a significant milestone for James Harden, who will aim to take more shots from deep. He is just four 3-pointers away from getting closer to the shooting specialist Stephen Curry.

According to the NBA’s all-time 3-point leader’s list, the combo guard is behind former NBA star Ray Allen and needs four more shots from behind the arc to make a total of 2,974 threes. Notably, the Clippers guard has achieved this in 216 fewer games than Allen, who played 1,300 games. Meanwhile, Curry remains firmly at the top of the list with a stellar 3,779 career three-pointers.

The 35-year-old is averaging more than two 3-pointers per game, with his total reaching three in their last game. So, there’s a strong possibility that the historic feat will be achieved tonight. We’ll find out at 8:00 PM ET whether the Clippers can make a difference or if they’ll hand the Rockets a golden opportunity.