The Los Angeles Clippers (42-19) visit Toyota Center to take on the Houston Rockets (39-21) in a potential Western Conference playoff matchup. Tip-off for this game is set for 8 p.m. ET. Thursday. We analyze the Clippers-Rockets sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.
Clippers at Rockets: Key injuries
Rockets
- SF DeMarre Carroll (illness) questionable
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Clippers at Rockets: Odds, lines, picks, and betting tips
NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 11:30 a.m. E.T.
Prediction
Rockets 118, Clippers 116
Moneyline (ML)
The ROCKETS (-106) are slight home underdogs against the Clippers (-115). Houston has been fantastic at home of late, winning seven of its last eight games at Toyota Center. While the Clippers have won five-straight games overall, they are still only 17-13 on the road this season. It’s also worth noting the Clippers have lost seven of their last 10 games in Houston.
While Los Angeles might have a better overall team, take the Rockets to win at home.
Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
Despite the ROCKETS (-1.5, +100) being a moneyline underdog, they are actually favored against the spread Thursday over the Clippers (+1.5, -121). Los Angeles has struggled at Toyota Center in recent matchups, failing to cover the spread in four of their last five contests. Given this small spread, they will likely need to beat the Rockets outright to cover. Expect this to be a close game throughout, but for the Rockets to win and cover on their home court.
Over/Under (O/U)
The total for this Western Conference matchup is set at 235.5 points, which feels about right for these two explosive offenses. Both teams are averaging over 116 points per game this season as they each rank inside the top-five in scoring offense.
Look for this game to slow down some in the fourth quarter and for the Clippers defense to slow down the Rockets. While it’s not always a fun bet, especially in games like this, take the UNDER 235.5 (-106) in Houston.
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