LA Clippers (6-6) vs. Houston Rockets (8-4)
November 15, 2024 8:00 pm EDT
The Line: Houston Rockets -4.5; Over/Under: +224.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Los Angeles Clippers and the Houston Rockets duke it out once again at the Toyota Center on Friday night. Here’s a Houston Rockets vs LA Clippers Prediction. This article will include a Houston Rockets vs LA Clippers Pick.
Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers have cooled off from their four-game win streak as they are now hoping to avoid a third straight defeat after getting beaten by the Rockets in a 111-103 road defeat on Wednesday. James Harden led the team with 19 points, six rebounds, and seven assists, Terance Mann added 14 points off the bench while Norman Powell chipped in with 13 points. As a team, the Clippers shot just 39 percent from the field and 14 of 38 from the 3-point line which was enough to stay within striking distance until the fourth quarter where the Clippers fell behind by 19 points. Powell shot just five of 18 from the field for 13 points while Amir Coffey shot just two of eight for seven points off the bench. The Clippers will play against the Jazz and Warriors following this one.
Houston Rockets
Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets have been in great form lately as they’ve won seven of their last nine games overall and they will be aiming for a fourth straight victory after outlasting the Clippers in a solid win on Wednesday. Jalen Green led the team with 21 points, seven rebounds and five assists, Tari Eason and Ausar Thompson each scored 18 points while Alperen Sengun chipped in with 13 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists. As a team, the Rockets shot 43 percent from the field and 15 of 40 from the 3-point line as they poured in 33 points in the second quarter to take the early lead and they just kept their foot on the gas until the lead ballooned to 19 points in the fourth quarter. The Rockets will meet the Bulls after this game.
Why the Houston Rockets will win
- The favorites have won each of the last 11 games between the Clippers and Rockets.
- The Clippers have lost each of their last seven night games against Southwest Division opponents that held a winning record.
- The Clippers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last seven night games against Southwest Division opponents that held a winning record.
- The home team has covered the spread in each of the Rockets’ last six games.
Houston Rockets Player Facts
- Alperen Sengun ranks 3rd in the league for second-chance points (51) this season.
- Fred VanVleet ranks T9th amongst qualified players for steals per game (1.7) this season.
Los Angeles Clippers Player Facts
- Ivica Zubac ranks 3rd amongst qualified players for rebounds per game (12.3) this season.
- James Harden ranks 4th amongst qualified players for assists per game (8.8) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Rockets rank 1st in the league for opponent assists per game this season (22.4).
- The Rockets rank 1st in the league for rebounds per game this season (49.7).
- The Clippers rank 1st in the league for H1 opponent points per game this season (52.3).
- The Clippers rank 29th in the league for turnovers per game this season (17.3).
Houston Rockets vs LA Clippers Prediction
The Clippers are still shorthanded with Kawhi Leonard still out, while the Rockets are keeping an eye on Steven Adams who is questionable for this one. The Clippers could really do with a win to get their season back on track, but they couldn’t get enough scoring from their role players on Wednesday and I think we’re about to see a similar result here. It’s always tough to beat the same team twice in a row, but I think the Rockets can get the job done again.
