HOUSTON -9 over LA Clippers
The Houston Rockets try to post their first three-game winning streak in nearly two months when they host the Los Angeles Clippers at the Compaq Center tonight. In their most recent outing, Houston defeated New Jersey, 83-71, behind a superlative defensive performance at home last Saturday. Meanwhile, The Clippers have lost nine of 10 and fell to 1-3 on their season-high six-game road trip with a 95-86 setback at Atlanta on Monday, a PRO INFO SPORTS client winning selection.
Houston simply has to put a winning streak together if it has any playoff aspirations, as they are currently a half-game behind the Phoenix Suns for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Rockets look like they are primed for a big game here as they limited the Nets to just 24 points in the first half - the Rockets' best defensive half in franchise history - and 36 percent shooting overall. Coming off that win and a 3-day break, they should be rested and relaxed. They are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games off a double-digit win, and we are looking for that momentum to carry over here. Yao Ming should have his way tonight against the depleted Clippers frontcourt.
As if LA didn't have enough injury woes, Corey Maggette sprained his ankle at Atlanta, as they Clips continue to limp through this disastrous season. New blood on the bench has not made a difference either, as they are just 1-4 under interim coach Dennis Johnson. The Clippers did win here on December 14, 94-85, and beat the Rockets in LA earlier in the season, which should only serve to give Houston additional motivation. The Clips are a paltry 3-13 ATS vs. opponents playing with double revenge, including 0-6 on the road. Against foes looking to avenge a loss as a favorite, they are an ugly 1-8 ATS. LA is a horrendous 0-10 ATS off a single SU/ATS loss, while Houston is 11-4-1 ATS vs. such opponents. Coming off their game vs. the Hawks certainly does not bode well for the Clippers either, as they are 0-5 ATS after playing in Atlanta, losing to the spread by an average of 11 points a game! League-wide, the NBA is just 2-9 ATS on the road off a SU/ATS road loss to the lowly Hawks.
Houston may have to shake off some early rust from their layoff, but we look for them to build upon a solid lead in the second half and roll to a double-digit victory.
PROJECTED FINAL SCORE: HOUSTON 100 LA CLIPPERS 88