Despite what has become a rebuilding season, the Rockets have shown clear growth and progress in recent days. After taking the Phoenix Suns down to the final seconds on Monday, Houston shocked Dallas with a 102-93 home victory (recap) on Wednesday.
Two nights later, Houston looks to take that momentum on the road to Staples Center in yet another game versus a Western Conference playoff team. It’s the first meeting of the 2020-21 season between the Rockets and Los Angeles Clippers, with two more coming over the next month.
Led by the All-Star duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the Clippers enter with plenty of momentum, having won nine of their last 11 games. There could, however, be some fatigue issues, since it’s the second night of a back-to-back. (They hosted the Suns on Thursday.)
Then again, the Rockets might not be the best team to exploit any tired legs. Beyond the talent gap, Stephen Silas will have to be cautious with minutes totals for his regulars, since the Rockets have their own back-to-back to navigate on Friday and Saturday (at Golden State). Most notably, Houston’s maintenance club is headlined by veteran guard John Wall, who will sit out Friday for “left Achilles injury management.”
The lines, courtesy of BetMGM
- Point spread: Rockets +12 (-110), Clippers -12 (-110)
- Moneyline: Rockets +500/Clippers -700
- Over-under: 221.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
- Player O/U Scoring Props: Christian Wood 20.5 (-110 O, -120 U), Kevin Porter Jr. 14.5 (-125 O, -105 U), Kelly Olynyk 13.5 (-115 O, -115 U), Jae’Sean Tate 10.5 (-120 O, -110 U); Clippers TBD
Place your legal, online sports bets in CO, IN, MI, NV, NJ, PA, TN, and WV at BetMGM.
Besides Wall, Houston’s injury report also lists Danuel House Jr. (right ankle), David Nwaba (right wrist), Dante Exum (right calf), and Eric Gordon (right groin) as out. The Clippers’ report rs won’t be made available until midday Friday, given that they played on Thursday night. In that game, only Serge Ibaka (out, lower back tightness) was listed.
Advice and prediction
The Rockets are likely due for some regression after playing so well in their previous two games. That’s especially the case with Wall, who had game-high totals in points, assists, and steals on Wednesday, sitting out.
However, Wall’s absence may also boost the odds of Porter hitting the over on his over-under point total (14.5), given his additional touches and shot attempts as the primary ballhandler and creator.
Prediction: 118-103, Clippers
Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.
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