Blake Griffin is back. The Los Angeles Clippers star finally makes his return after missing 15 games due to a staph infection. While Los Angeles welcomes one of its best players back, the Houston Rockets are still without theirs as Dwight Howard is expected to remain on the sidelines. Which of these two Western Conference powerhouses come out on top? Read on as we breakdown this crucial Western clash.
The NBA regular season is still on-going, but you can still catch some high-stakes basketball playoff action in the NCAA conference championships. Check out the complete previews for the SEC’s Arkansas vs. Kentucky and the Big Ten’s Michigan State vs. Wisconsin.
[sc:NBAArticles ]Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Clippers Preview
Where: STAPLES Center, Los Angeles
When: Sunday, March 15, 3:30 PM ET
Line: Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Clippers – view all NBA lines
Betting on the Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets may still be missing Dwight Howard, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t challenge the Clippers. The Howard-less Rockets scored a 110-105 win over Los Angeles on February 25, a night in which four Rockets starters scored in double-digits.
[sc:NBA240banner ]James Harden finished with a double-double (21 points and 10 assists) as he repeatedly drove toward the basket and invited plenty of fouls. He finished making 10-of-12 free throws, while shooting 3-of-9 from beyond the arc. Harden had gone 0-for-11 from three-point range in the two prior meetings against Los Angeles this season.
Harden got plenty of support from Houston’s sharpshooters, Trevor Ariza and Donatas Montiejunas, from downtown. They combined to make 8-of-13 three-pointers to help Houston match a season-high 17 made three-pointers in a single game. The Rockets could be up for another big night from downtown. The Clippers have allowed an average of 10 threes in their last three games, including the 16 allowed in a 129-99 blowout loss to Dallas on Friday.
The continued absence of Howard, and the return of Blake Griffin may prove to be too much against Houston though. The Rockets were outrebounded by a combined 40 boards against Utah and Portland in back-to-back losses.
The Rockets are 2-5 ATS in their last seven on the road against the Clippers.
Betting on the Los Angeles Clippers
While the Clippers were getting blown out at Dallas on Friday night, Griffin reassured coach Doc Rivers that he was feeling great after working out at Los Angeles. Having the Clippers star in tip-top shape is crucial heading into this game. He scored 30 and pulled down 10 boards in his lone meeting against Houston this season, a 102-85 triumph on the road back on Nov. 28.
Even without Griffin, the Clippers frontcourt has been a dominant force. DeAndre Jordan averaged 15.4 points and 19.1 rebounds in the last 14 games. He’s been a monster against the frontcourt-challenged Rockets, averaging 17.7 points and 17.3 rebounds in the three meetings this season.
The Clippers aren’t too shabby in the backcourt as well. Chris Paul’s been stellar as of late, averaging 19.2 points and 10.8 assists in his last five games. Having Griffin back in the lineup should give him more open looks from the perimeter and from beyond the arc.
Speaking of three-point shooting, J.J. Redick has been killing it from downtown. He’s averaging about three three-pointers made per game on 39 percent shooting this March. Redick is shooting 40 percent from long range against Houston this season.
The Clippers are 3-1 ATS in their last four games.
Writer’s Prediction
The return of Griffin sparks the Clippers to a blowout win at home.
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