The Los Angeles Clippers (25-27) travel to the Toyota Center tonight, 10 February 2026, to face the Houston Rockets (32-19) in a high-stakes Western Conference clash. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET (5:00 PM PT) as both teams look to solidify their positioning following the recent NBA trade deadline.
Game Preview: Star Power in Space City
Tonight’s matchup features a marquee battle between two of the league’s premier forwards: Kawhi Leonard and Kevin Durant. Leonard enters the contest in peak form, coming off a dominant 41-point performance in his last outing. Meanwhile, Durant leads a Rockets squad that has emerged as a legitimate contender in the West, currently sitting seven games above the Clippers in the standings.
The Clippers arrive in Houston riding a three-game road winning streak, showing resilience despite recent roster shifts. Conversely, the Rockets have been formidable at home and are coming off a confidence-boosting 112-106 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder this past Saturday.
Head-to-Head & Season Series
This is the third meeting between the two teams in the 2025-26 regular season, with the series currently split at 1-1:
- 11 December 2025: Houston won 115-113, secured by an Amen Thompson three-point play in the final seconds.
- 23 December 2025: Los Angeles responded with a convincing 128-108 victory.
Historically, the Rockets hold the upper hand in the regular-season series with 129 wins to the Clippers’ 93. However, the recent rivalry has been much tighter, with the teams splitting their last 10 encounters 5-5.
Key Storylines to Watch
- Post-Deadline Chemistry: With the 2026 trade deadline now passed, both teams are adjusting to their final rosters. Analysts have noted the Clippers may face depth challenges following the departure of Ivica Zubac, placing more pressure on their remaining frontcourt.
- The “Claw” vs. “KD”: The individual matchup between Leonard and Durant remains the focal point. Both players are healthy and playing heavy minutes as the playoff race intensifies.
- Back-to-Back Factor: Tonight marks the first of two consecutive games between these teams in Houston, a rare “baseball-style” set that could lead to tactical adjustments in tomorrow’s rematch.
Betting Odds & Predictions
As of Tuesday afternoon, oddsmakers favour the Houston Rockets at home, citing their superior record and the Clippers’ recent roster turnover. However, the Clippers have covered the spread in both previous meetings this season. The “Over” is a popular pick among analysts, given the offensive firepower displayed by Leonard and Durant in recent weeks.
Broadcast Information: Tonight’s game will be televised nationally on NBA TV, with local coverage available on Space City Home Network (Houston) and KTLA (Los Angeles).