Image from: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
The NBA has finally come to a decision with the Clippers-Rockets scuffle on Monday night. Trevor Ariza and Gerald Green have both been suspended 2 games for their involvement in the altercation. James Harden and Chris Paul have both dodged these suspensions as they were allegedly the “peacemakers” in this situation. Clippers forward Blake Griffin has also avoided a suspension as well for his actions Monday night. Blake Griffin was believed to be one of the players to receive a suspension for his “hit” on Mike D’Antoni but avoided it.
The Rockets have a tough schedule coming up on Thursday versus the Timberwolves, and Saturday versus the Warriors. The Rockets also expect James Harden to come back this Thursday so these suspensions won’t hurt as bad as they would’ve if Harden was still sidelined due to his hamstring injury he suffered before the new year. The Rockets have been struggling as they are 4-3 without MVP frontrunner James Harden. The Timberwolves have been on a hot streak lately so it is a good thing to have Harden back, but the Rockets face a challenge with the Warriors as they are just a powerhouse by themselves.
ESPN’s Bobby Marks had a tweet earlier today that explained the salary cap hits by the suspensions. According to Bobby Marks: “Trevor Ariza will lose $41,926 per game for a total of $83,852. Gerald Green will lose $7,804 per game for a total of $15,609. The Rockets will get a credit of $49,730 against the luxury tax. Houston is now $2.56M below the tax.” This has barely any tax implications on the team but any dollar will count towards buyout period, trade deadline, and the off-season.
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