NBA Picks: Los Angeles Clippers at Houston Rockets
Written by Steve Janus - Google +
The Houston Rockets will try and build off their most recent victory when they host the Los Angeles Clippers Wednesday night. Houston won 97-92 at Los Angeles back on Dec. 22, and are 11-2 in their last 13 games against the Clippers.
Los Angeles found out they will be without Eric Gordon for 3-4 weeks with a sprained right wrist before they took on the Mavericks last night. The Clippers however got off to a great start and led by eight going into half, but were outscored 58-43 in the final two periods for their third straight loss on the road.
The Rockets won 129-125 at Minnesota on Monday, ending a short two-game losing streak. Houston is just 2-5 in their last seven home games, and will need to start playing better defense if they are going to turn things around this season.
Taking a look at the NBA spreads for this game, oddsmakers have the Rockets favored by 7.5-points over the Clippers with the total set at 214.5.
Need a great place to do your NBA betting this season? Sports Interaction is offering a special 100% sign-up bonus on your initial deposit.
While the loss of Gordon is huge for the Clippers, they had an even bigger scare last night, as Blake Griffin went hard to the ground from a flagrant foul from Brendan Hawood. Griffin stayed in the game. but ended up suffering an elbow contusion and is listed as probable for tonight’s game.
While Griffin expects to play, it will be interesting to see how much of a factor he will be. Griffin finished with 22 points and 11 rebounds, but had just 10 points after the first quarter.
Baron Davis stepped up to score 21 points to go along with six assists, and Randy Foye filled in for Gordon with 15 points in 28 minutes, but Los Angeles just didn’t look the same offensively with Griffin hurting.
While the Rockets came away with a win at Minnesota, they better start playing better defense. Houston has allowed an average of 118 points over their last three games, and could be in for another tough night against Los Angeles if they don’t start locking down defensively.
Kevin Martin had 34 points to lead six different Rockets in double-figures. Luis Scola added 20 points and Shane Battier had a season-high 19. Aaron Brooks came off the bench to score 15 points, but was just 5-14 from the field.
In the Rockets first matchup against the Clippers they held them to just 40% shooting, but did have their troubles stopping Griffin, who had 24 points and 18 rebounds. With Griffin at less than 100% and Gordon out, I think you have to take the Rockets at -7.5 tonight, as they should have a great chance of putting this game away early.
For more free advice on who to take in the NBA, check out our NBA free picks for today. If you are looking to get serious and win big, check out what our expert NBA handicappers have to offer in their premium NBA picks!
Got something to say?
