Clippers at Rockets: What Bettors Need to Know
By Covers.com
Los Angeles Clippers at Houston Rockets (-3.5, 212.5)
There wasn’t a lot of defense played when Los Angeles and Houston played on Monday, and it figures to be another high-scoring affair when the Rockets host the Clippers on Saturday. Los Angeles posted a 137-118 victory in the first meeting, making 15 3-pointers and receiving 23 points and 17 assists from point guard Chris Paul. The Clippers matched a franchise record with 78 first-half points in that victory but have since lost back-to-back games to Orlando and Miami.
Rockets star James Harden has been hobbled by a foot injury but still managed a monster performance of 35 points, nine rebounds, five assists and four steals in Thursday’s 99-98 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Houston lost the contest when Steve Blake drained a late 3-pointer for the Lakers. Paul is off to a great start with averages of 22.5 points and 12.5 assists and has recorded a double-double in each game. Clippers forward Blake Griffin stood out in Thursday’s loss to Miami with 27 points and 14 rebounds.
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Clippers (-12.5) - Rockets (-12.0) + Home Court (-3.0) = Rockets -3.5
ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (3-3, 4-2 ATS): Paul typically takes over games in the fourth quarter but he acknowledged that he should have acquiesced more to Griffin in the loss to Miami. Griffin made 11-of-15 shots while Paul was only 3-of-11. “That’s another thing that is on me,” Paul said. “We have to go to Blake more. Like I said, I’ll do better. I have to give Blake more touches and get that ball out of my hands.” Griffin is averaging 21.7 points and 11.3 rebounds and already has four 20-point, 10-rebound outings.
ABOUT THE ROCKETS (4-2, 3-2-1 ATS): Harden’s ability to get to the free-throw line and Howard’s presence means Houston will get numerous attempts from the line all season. The Rockets were just 33-of-52 in the loss to the Lakers, marking the second time already that they have attempted more than 50 free throws. Houston hadn’t shot 50 free throws in a game since Nov. 24, 2010, prior to this season. Howard was the biggest culprit by making just 5-of-16 against the Lakers. “It wasn’t just Dwight,” said coach Kevin McHale, apparently not recognizing the other Rockets combined to make 77.8 percent. “We didn’t shoot free throws very well and that doesn’t help the cause.”
TRENDS:
* Clippers are 2-6 ATS in their last eight road games.
* Rockets are 0-4 ATS in their last four vs. NBA Pacific.
* Over is 7-2 in Clippers' last nine overall.
* Under is 14-4 in Rockets' last 18 home games.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Los Angeles has won six of the past seven meetings.
2. The Rockets allowed 16 3-point baskets against the Lakers -- one shy of the record by a Houston opponent.
3. Paul has made 34 consecutive free throws and is 45-for-46 on the season.
NBA Point Spreads and Pick
By: The Linemakers
Sportingnews.com
The Rockets and Clippers met Monday night at the Staples Center with the Clippers rolling to a 137-118 win, their highest scoring output since 2009. The win pushed them to 3-1, but they have struggled on their first road trip outside of California, losing 98-90 at Orlando on Wednesday and 102-97 at Miami on Thursday. Tonight's game at Houston will be the last of their three-game road trip.
In the Clippers two losses in Florida they failed to score over 100 points after scoring at least 103 in their first four games. Both games stayed well UNDER the total. Is that a sign of things to come for them on the road, or is their real identity the one we saw post 137 on Houston?
We think the up-tempo pace is who the Clippers want to be and they will try to force the issue every night. A team like the Rockets that offers very little resistance defensively should help the Clippers get back into their rhythm. Houston allows an average of 103 points per game, while the Clippers are scoring110.5 per contest.
The Rockets are 4-point home favorites with a total posted at 214, the highest total of the day by far. It should be an up and down game, and if the game gets OVER the total, it's more likely that the Clippers will be controlling the pace and hitting their shots, which makes taking the points here a good play. This is almost like a two-for-one. If you like the Clippers to cover take the OVER as well. If one happens, the other is also likely to happen, and we think both will occur.
The Linemakers lean: Because this is the final of a three-game road set where the Clippers lost the first two, we like this spot for them to salvage the trip and get a straight-up win. Today's play is Clippers +4 and OVER 214 total points.