Rockets Host Clippers in Battle of Playoff-Bound Teams
On Wednesday, NBA Western Conference action heads to the Lone Star State as the Los Angeles Clippers visit the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center. The current line has Houston favored at home by 3 points with the over/under point total sitting on 214.
Entering this game, Los Angeles has an overall record on the season of 42-24 straight up and 31-32 against the spread. On the road, the Clippers are 20-12 SU and 16-14 ATS.
Houston on the season has a record of 34-33 SU and 30-37 ATS. At home, the Rockets are 18-14 SU and 13-19 ATS.
Houston throttled Memphis on Monday 130-81 for its fourth win over its past five games. The Rockets all season have had issues with consistency but their confidence is high having defeated Memphis by 49 points. The Rockets are now only a half game out of sixth place in the conference.
Los Angeles comes into this matchup with its head down. The Clippers were routed in successive losses to Cleveland then on Tuesday against San Antonio. They lost by an average of 22.5 points and are now 2 ½ games behind Oklahoma City the third place team in the West.
Tuesday’s 21-point loss at San Antonio was the start of a five-game road trip, which will end March 23 at Golden State. The Clippers were outscored 37-17 during the fourth quarter and the bench was outscored 51-20.
The game versus Memphis started a stretch where Houston will play five of its next seven games on its home court as it looks to stretch its two-game lead over Utah the ninth-place team.
Houston’s leading scorer, James Harden is averaging 28.6 points per game, but in his past two games, is averaging only 13.5 points hitting 5 of his 22 shots.
Los Angeles defeated Houston 140-132 in overtime January 18. The win ended a losing streak for the regular season of four games against Houston.
Clippers shooting guard J.J. Redick scored a career high 40 points with nine 3-point baskets in that overtime win for the Clippers.
Houston forward Trevor Ariza hit 6 of his 9 shoots versus Memphis on Monday after shooting 12 for 38 over his previous three games.
The OVER has cashed in 8 of the past 10 games between these two Western Conference rivals.
Prediction: Los Angeles is coming off two embarrassing losses, while Houston is coming off a huge win. The Clippers are amidst a five-game road trip. Lean toward the Rockets at home in this one.
