We’ve got a series over here!
After losing back-to-back blowouts at Los Angeles, the Rockets’ offense came to life to save their season with a 124-103 win at home. Can they sustain that same amount of offensive output on the road at Staples Center? The Rockets have struggled on the road throughout the playoffs thus far. But facing elimination should bring out the best in them. Read on for a preview of this explosive Western clash.
The other Western Conference Semifinal series is also heating up, tied at 2-2. Check out our complete preview for the Grizzlies vs. Warriors.
[sc:NBAArticles ]Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Clippers Game 6 Preview
Series Scores and Schedule
Game 1 – Los Angeles Clippers 117 at Houston Rockets 101
Game 2 – Los Angeles Clippers 109 at Houston Rockets 115
Game 3 – Houston Rockets 99 at Los Angeles Clippers 124
Game 4 – Houston Rockets 95 at Los Angeles Clippers 128
Game 5 – Los Angeles Clippers 103 at Houston Rockets 124
Game 6 – May 14, 10:30 PM ET – Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Clippers – view all NBA lines
Game 7* – May 17, TBD – Los Angeles Clippers at Houston Rockets
*If necessary
Betting on the Houston Rockets
The flu was no match for the Beard as James Harden finished with 26 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists for his first triple double this postseason. Dwight Howard was also impressive finishing with 20 points and 15 rebounds as Houston stayed alive with a crucial win at home in Game 5.
[sc:NBA240banner ]Harden has been almost as efficient in the two games at Staples Center in this series. He averaged 23 points, 8.5 assists and 5.5 rebounds in those games. The same can’t be said for Howard, who scored just 21 points across the two games. Howard did average 10 rebounds on the road in this series, so Houston should still be well taken care of on the boards.
The rest of the Rockets also chipped in for their biggest win of the series. Trevor Ariza scored 22 points and Corey Brewer added 15. Josh Smith, who was inserted in the starting lineup in place of Terrence Jones, finished with nine points and seven boards. Jones provided some scoring off the bench with 12 points. But these Rockets struggled in the two games at Los Angeles, combining to average 37 points. They combined for 58 points in Game 5.
The Rockets will enjoy the most success if they remain aggressive in attacking the basket. Houston scored 64 points in the paint in Game 5 as they took advantage of the Clippers’ defensive lapses. The Rockets were also impressive attacking in the paint in Game 2, their only other win in the series. They scored 52 points in the paint and made a whopping 64 free throw attempts. Harden went a perfect 15-for-15 from the charity stripe in that game.
Houston is 0-4 SU/ATS in playoff road games this season.
Betting on the Los Angeles Clippers
That was quite an underwhelming performance for the Los Angeles Clippers. After back-to-back dominant victories over Houston, the Clippers let a prime opportunity slip away in closing out this series early. The Clippers were sloppy in Game 5, shooting 42 percent from the field and 26 percent from three-point range.
The Clippers were outrebounded 58-39 in the game with DeAndre Jordan finding himself in early foul trouble in the first half. J.J. Redick and Austin Rivers, who thrived in their two home games this series, were held to just nine and eight points respectively. Redick scored 49 points on 67 percent shooting across the Clippers’ two home games, while Rivers was a force off the bench with 37 points on 68 percent shooting.
While Redick and Rivers could realistically turn up their respective games at home, the Clippers will still be relying on the amazing duo of Blake Griffin and Chris Paul.
Griffin has been a double-double monster in this series, averaging 26.6 points and 13.4 rebounds. Paul has made up for his absences in the first two games of the series, with double-double performances in his last two (18.5 points and 11 assists per game). Having the Rockets focusing on containing Paul and Griffin should lead for more open looks for their teammates across the floor.
The Clippers have won nine of their last 10 home games (7-3 ATS) against the Rockets, including the regular season.
Writer’s Prediction
The Clippers get to a fast start, but Houston stages a late rally to cover. Create a betting account now and cash in on the thrilling NBA Playoffs.
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