Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Clippers Betting Preview
Where: Staples Center — Los Angeles, California
When: Wednesday, March 1, 2017, 10:30 PM ET
Line: Houston Rockets (+1.5) vs. Los Angeles Clippers (-1.5); 232.0 – VIEW ALL NBA LINES HERE
TV Broadcast: ESPN / PRIME
NBA News & Predictions
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Betting on the Houston Rockets (42-19)
Point Spread: +1.5
Houston’s offense failed them during Monday night’s home loss to Indiana, 117-108. The Rockets shot miserably from the field, hitting 36.4 percent of their shots, including 10-of-45 from three-point range. Their defense made things worse, especially in the second period where they squandered a 17-point advantage and allowed 39 points to the Pacers.
James Harden still managed to post 25 points and 12 assists, despite an ugly shooting display. Lou Williams, though, continued to be a bright spot with 28 points off the bench. He’s averaging 24.0 points in three games since being traded to Houston.
The Rockets amassed 140 points in what was a dominant victory against a Chris Paul-less Clippers team on Dec. 31. Harden had a triple-double there (30 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists), but Houston will be in for a dogfight in this second meeting at Staples Center with Paul back in the picture.
Clutch City is 5-5 SU and 4-6 ATS in its last 10 road games.
Betting on the Los Angeles Clippers (36-23)
Point Spread: -1.5
Chris Paul made up for a his horrible 4-of-18 shooting with 17 assists and zero turnovers to help the Clippers notch the overtime victory on Sunday night against Charlotte, 124-121. But that performance was outshined by his co-star Blake Griffin, who exploded for 43 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.
Griffin’s been playing like a man on a mission since returning from knee surgery last month, and that effort was the most spectacular yet. He’s averaging 26.2 points, 9.6 rebounds and 4.9 dimes in his previous 11 games.
However, Los Angeles still needs to work on its defense that’s giving up 116.6 points in its last three games. The Clips will be going against a Houston offense that ranks second in the league in points, and one that’s led by James Harden, the leading MVP favorite (-105) this season.
LA is 7-3 SU and 5-5 ATS in its last 10 home games.
Writer’s Prediction
Clippers (-1.5) win it, 113-109.
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