jeremy lin rockets
There's a chance the Rockets will meet the Clippers in the first round of the playoffs. Reuters

The Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Clippers might be the two most exciting teams in the NBA.

No team in basketball can score like the Rockets. They lead the league with 10.3 points per game, and play a fast-paced style that leaves the opposition unable to get stops.

Houston’s backcourt is especially difficult to defend. James Harden is a top MVP candidate with his 26.1 points per game, and there’s always the possibility that Jeremy Lin will have a big performance.

The Clippers may have the best dunker in the NBA in Blake Griffin. He and center DeAndre Jordan are No.1 and No.2 in the league with 130 and 116 dunks, respectively. The number of alley-oops thrown by Chris Paul has led the Clippers to be dubbed “Lob City.”

Now, the two teams will met face to face on Wednesday night. The game is set to tip off at 10:30 p.m. eastern time at Staples Center. Viewers can watch the game nationally live on NBA TV.

At one point, L.A. had the best record in all of basketball. They lost eight-of-11 games when Paul went down with an injury. The point guard seems to be at full strength now, and the club has won its last two games by an average of 15.5 points.

The Rockets are also coming off somewhat of a skid. Houston beat Golden State on Tuesday, after having lost nine of their last 12 road games.

It’s the second meeting of the 2012-2013 season between the two clubs. On Jan. 15, the Clippers beat the Rockets by eight points in Houston. Jamal Crawford led all scorers with 30 points.

L.A. was able to take advantage of the weak Rockets defense that allows 103.2 points per contest. They are expected to do the same on Wednesday. The Clippers are 10-point favorites at most Las Vegas casinos.

Prediction: Since Paul returned to the floor, Los Angeles is once again playing like an elite team. The Clippers are a top defensive unit, and should be able to slow down the Rockets enough to get the win.

Predicted Score: Los Angeles 100, Houston 92

NBA Basketball