The Clippers head to Houston for a matchup that pits veteran experience against youthful explosiveness. Los Angeles continues to rely on disciplined half‑court execution and defensive versatility, while the Rockets lean on their athletic young core and an energized home crowd.

It’s that time of year: the time that in the past saw the Spurs getting past the January doldrums by going on the road to put everything together on their way to a championship run.