Check out our free Rockets vs Clippers pick and preview for this NBA game in Los Angeles. See who we like to win and cover the spread in this NBA matchup.
Rockets vs Clippers NBA Pick & Preview
- Sport: NBA
- Teams: Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Clippers
- Where: Los Angeles at Crypto.com Arena
- Date: Sunday, January 15th
- Betting Odds LAC -9.5, HOU +344 | LAC -448 O/U 220.0
So far, the Rockets have put together an overall record of 10-32, while going 16-24-2 vs the spread. Against the Clippers, the Rockets are looking to break out of a 9 game losing streak. They have lost these games by an average of -16.11 points.
Houston is trying to bounce back from a 139-114 loss to the Kings. Going into this game, the team was 9 point underdogs on the spread, giving them an ATS loss. The game got away from Houston in the 2nd half, as the Kings extended their 3 point halftime lead to grab a 25 point win. Leading the team in scoring was Jabari Smith Jr., as he contributed 27 points while hitting 55.0% of his shots.
So far, the Clippers have put together an overall record of 22-22, while going 21-22-1 vs the spread. Looking back on Clippers’ previous 3 games, they have a record of 1-2 while averaging 108 points per game. Over this stretch, their ATS mark is 1-2.
The Clippers are coming off a dissappointing 115-103 loss to the Nuggets. Going into the game, they were favored to win by 4 points. Los Angeles missed out on an opportunity to add a win to their resume, as they held a 1 point lead going into halftime. Leading the team in scoring was Kawhi Leonard, as he contributed 24 points while hitting 50.0% of his shots.
Head To Head Recap & Stats
I Last year, the Rockets saw a drop in overall scoring when playing the Clippers, averaging 103.0 points per game. As for Houston, they actually improved their points per game numbers in head-to-head matchups, averaging 118.0 points per contest against the Clippers. The ATS record across the previous 5 head-to-head meetings is 3-2 in favor of the Clippers. In these matchups, Los Angeles has averaged 107 points per game, while allowing 99. Houston and Los Angeles averaged a combined 206 points per game in these games, leading to an over-under mark of 1-4.
Odds & Free Betting Analysis For This NBA Game
This season, the Houston offense is ranked 28th in the NBA in scoring at 109.3 points per game. So far, the Rockets are averaging 99.0 possessions per game, which places them below the NBA average. Not only is the team one of the more deliberate units in the NBA, they have yet to find their shooting stroke, ranking just 30th in the league in field goal percentage 44.4%.
On defense, the Rockets will look for some improved play, as they are currently the 30th ranked unit in points allowed per game.
A key injury to note in this game is the likely absence of the Rockets 2nd leading scorer, Kevin Porter Jr.. In his 40 games, Porter Jr. is averaging 19.2 points per game while dishing out 5.6 assists and grabbing 5.4 rebounds. In he is unable to take the floor, the team will be looking for even more production out of Jalen Green, who leads the team and is 37th in the NBA at 21.5 points per contest. For the season, he has connected on 40.6% of his field goal attempts while taking 20.0% of overall shots.
For the season, the Clippers offensive unit is ranked just 29th in scoring at 109.1 points per contest. So far, the Clippers are averaging 97.7 possessions per game, which places them below the NBA average. Even though the Clippers are one of the more efficient 3-point shooting teams in the NBA at 36.8%, their slower-style of play may be holding back the team’s offense from fully taking off.
On the defensive end of the floor, the Clippers are giving up an average of 108.39 points per game, good for 11th in the NBA.
Today’s game is going to be tough for Los Angeles because they might not have their two best offensive players. Paul George is out, and Marcus Morris Sr. is doubtful. This season, these two players have been responsible for 34.1% of the team’s attempted field goals. George is averaging 23.7 points per game, and Morris Sr. is averaging 13.3 points per game.
Rockets vs Clippers Pick
- Free Spread Prediction: Clippers -9.5
- Free Total Prediction: Over 220.0
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