Clippers Get Surprise Ahead of Rockets Matchup

Houston and LA face off in a back-to-back as both teams deal with key injuries.

Feb. 10, 2026 at 1:39pm

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The Houston Rockets and LA Clippers are set to face off in a back-to-back, with both teams dealing with significant injuries. The Rockets will be without Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams, while the Clippers will be missing Bradley Beal and Darius Garland. However, the Clippers will get a boost with the debut of Bennedict Mathurin, who was acquired in a trade deadline deal.

Why it matters

These games are important for both teams as they try to build momentum heading into the All-Star break. The Rockets are looking to find their identity, while the Clippers made major moves at the deadline to bolster their roster for the future.

The details

The Rockets are coming off a close win over the undermanned Oklahoma City Thunder, led by a strong performance from forward Tari Eason. They'll now host the Clippers in a home-and-home series, with the first game tonight at 7 p.m. CT. The Clippers recently made a trade that sent center Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for guard Bennedict Mathurin, who will make his Clippers debut in this matchup.

  • The Rockets and Clippers will face off tonight at 7 p.m. CT.
  • They'll play again tomorrow night at 7 p.m. CT.

The players

Tari Eason

A forward for the Houston Rockets who had a strong performance in the team's recent win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Bennedict Mathurin

A guard who was recently acquired by the LA Clippers in a trade deadline deal and will make his debut with the team in this matchup.

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What’s next

The Rockets and Clippers will face off again tomorrow night at 7 p.m. CT, with both teams looking to gain an edge before the All-Star break.

The takeaway

Injuries have impacted both the Rockets and Clippers, but the addition of Bennedict Mathurin could provide a boost for the Clippers as they look to build momentum heading into the second half of the season.