where to watch, Harden faces Sengun in California showdown

The Los Angeles Clippers will take on the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in a thrilling NBA regular-season matchup at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Scheduled for 11:30 PM Brasília time (8:30 PM PDT), this Western Conference clash pits the Clippers, aiming to solidify their standing among the top teams, against the Rockets, already locked into the second seed and wrapping up a California road trip. Fans in Brazil can catch the live broadcast exclusively on the NBA League Pass, the league’s official streaming platform, which kicks off coverage at 11:00 PM with pre-game analysis and warm-ups. With stars like James Harden and Alperen Sengun set to shine, the game promises high stakes and intense action on the court.

Weather in Inglewood looks promising for fans heading to the arena, with clear skies and temperatures hovering between 59°F and 68°F—perfect conditions for a night of basketball. The Intuit Dome, a state-of-the-art venue opened in 2024 with a capacity of over 18,000, has quickly become a fan favorite thanks to its cutting-edge technology and electric atmosphere. For those watching remotely, sports bars in cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are likely to screen the game, offering a lively setting for Brazilian NBA enthusiasts. While not a historic rivalry, recent matchups between these teams have delivered competitive battles and standout performances.

Tickets remain available through the NBA’s official website and the Clippers’ ticketing portal, ranging from $40 to $250 depending on seating proximity to the court. Premium seats near the benches often sell out fast, especially for games against strong opponents like Houston. This matchup marks another chapter in the 2024-2025 NBA season, which has showcased exceptional talent in the Western Conference, with both teams bringing distinct styles: the Clippers lean on veteran savvy, while the Rockets thrive with youthful energy.

Inside the Intuit Dome showdown

Tonight’s game brings together two teams with clear goals. The Clippers, coached by Tyronn Lue, are riding the momentum of a 135-104 rout of the Dallas Mavericks on April 5, showcasing their offensive firepower and defensive grit. Meanwhile, the Rockets, led by Ime Udoka, arrive with a strong season record that has them comfortably in second place in the West, treating this game as a tune-up amid their road schedule. The tactical contrast—Lue’s focus on inside play versus Udoka’s fast-break approach—sets the stage for an intriguing battle.

Inglewood buzzes with basketball fever during NBA season, and the Intuit Dome has averaged over 17,000 fans per game recently. Nearby spots like The Forum Club fill up with supporters before tip-off, their screens broadcasting the action for those without tickets. The favorable weather forecast ensures smooth travel for attendees and optimal conditions for players, adding to the anticipation surrounding this midweek clash.

Probable lineups for the matchup

Based on recent performances in the 2024-25 season, here are the likely starting lineups. For the Clippers, Tyronn Lue is expected to field James Harden at point guard, Norman Powell at shooting guard, Kawhi Leonard at small forward, Derrick Jones Jr. at power forward, and Ivica Zubac at center. Harden, averaging 21.8 points and 8 assists, drives the offense, while Leonard’s 20.5 points per game bolster both ends of the floor. Zubac’s physicality will be key against Houston’s interior game.

The Rockets, under Ime Udoka, are likely to start Amen Thompson at point guard, Jalen Green at shooting guard, Dillon Brooks at small forward, Tari Eason at power forward, and Alperen Sengun at center. Sengun, with 20 points and 10 rebounds per game, anchors the paint, while Green, the team’s leading scorer at 20.7 points, excels from beyond the arc and in transition. These lineups reflect recent trends but could see last-minute tweaks.

Head-to-head stats and recent form

The Clippers and Rockets have traded blows in recent years, with their last five meetings showing a slight edge for Los Angeles, who won three times. A notable Clippers victory came in March 2024, 128-112, powered by Norman Powell’s 31 points. The Rockets countered with a 107-92 win in November 2024, led by Sengun’s 27 points and 17 rebounds. This history suggests a tight contest tonight, likely hinging on shooting accuracy and paint dominance.

• Last 5 games for the Clippers:
  • 04/05/2025: Clippers 135-104 Mavericks (win)
  • 03/02/2025: Lakers 106-102 Clippers (loss)
  • 12/23/2024: Grizzlies 98-114 Clippers (win)
  • 12/04/2024: Clippers 112-98 Trail Blazers (win)
  • 11/13/2024: Clippers 128-112 Rockets (win)
• Last 5 games for the Rockets:
  • 04/06/2025: Warriors 108-112 Rockets (win)
  • 11/13/2024: Rockets 107-92 Wizards (win)
  • 12/04/2024: Kings 102-108 Rockets (win)
  • 10/31/2024: Clippers 134-128 Rockets (loss)
  • 10/23/2024: Rockets 110-105 Hornets (win)

Clippers aim for home triumph

The Clippers head into the game determined to capitalize on home-court advantage. Since Kawhi Leonard returned in January 2025 from a right knee inflammation, he’s been pivotal, posting 33 points and 10 rebounds against the Lakers in March. Minor injuries have thinned the bench at times, but Harden’s playmaking and clutch scoring remain a cornerstone. Leonard’s two-way presence will be crucial against Houston’s dynamic attack.

Fan support at the Intuit Dome has been robust, with near-capacity crowds cheering the team on. The arena’s modern design and prime location in the LA metro area make it a hub for basketball lovers, who expect a hard-fought win tonight. Tyronn Lue’s coaching acumen, known for in-game adjustments, gives the Clippers an edge in tight situations.

Rockets ride confidence on the road

The Houston Rockets, secure in their second seed, approach this game with swagger after winning seven of their last ten. Alperen Sengun’s dominance in the paint—he’s among the league’s top big men—poses a major test for Zubac. Jalen Green’s speed and shooting, paired with Amen Thompson’s versatility, fuel Udoka’s fast-paced system, which could exploit any Clippers miscues.

Even as a schedule-filler, this game matters for Houston’s playoff prep. Udoka’s emphasis on aggressive defense and quick transitions has paid dividends all season, and the team’s youthful core shows no signs of letting up. The Sengun-Zubac matchup in the paint could dictate the game’s flow.

Players to watch

Key performers could steal the spotlight tonight. James Harden’s knack for creating shots and delivering in crunch time keeps him among the NBA’s assist leaders. Kawhi Leonard’s quiet efficiency makes him a constant threat. For the Rockets, Alperen Sengun’s interior mastery and Jalen Green’s explosive scoring stand out. These stars could tip the scales with clutch plays or defensive stops.

Norman Powell, averaging 24.2 points, adds firepower for the Clippers, while Dillon Brooks brings grit to Houston’s defense. The mix of veteran savvy and young talent elevates this game’s stakes, promising a showcase of skill and intensity.

Fun facts about the matchup

Here are some tidbits to spice up the night:

• Kawhi Leonard averages 22 points in 35 career games against the Rockets.
• At 22, Alperen Sengun is one of the youngest pivots with double-double averages in 2024-25.
• The Intuit Dome has hit full capacity in 80% of Clippers home games this season.
• James Harden averages 25 points against his former team, the Rockets.

These nuggets highlight the personal stakes and venue energy in play.

Predictions and what to expect

Experts lean toward a Clippers win, citing home advantage and recent form, with a projected 5- to 8-point margin if they shoot well and control the paint. The Rockets, however, could pull an upset if Sengun and Green capitalize on fast breaks and defensive lapses. The Lue-Udoka chess match will be critical.

Expect a tighter second half as adjustments kick in. Harden might take over late for LA, while Houston’s young legs could keep the pace relentless. Either way, fans are in for a treat with top-tier basketball on display.

Upcoming schedule

Here’s what’s next for both teams (Brasília time):

• Clippers:
  • 04/10/2025: Clippers x Suns (home, 11:30 PM)
  • 04/11/2025: Nuggets x Clippers (away, 10:00 PM)