Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Clippers preview
December 18, 2015Date & Time: Saturday, December 19, 7:00 PM
Venue: Toyota Center (Houston, Texas)
Head to head record
Los Angeles Clippers vs Houston Rockets 105-109 (2015/2016 NBA)
Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Clippers 113-110 (2014/2015 NBA)
Los Angeles Clippers vs Houston Rockets 107-119 (2014/2015 NBA)
Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Clippers 124-103 (2014/2015 NBA)
Los Angeles Clippers vs Houston Rockets 128-95 (2014/2015 NBA)
Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Clippers prediction
Los Angeles Clippers will be looking to extend their winning run to four matches when they take on Houston Rockets in Toyota Center on Saturday. The Rockets outclassed Los Angeles Lakers last night, but they will have a much bigger fish to fry this time out.
Rockets eyeing fifth consecutive home win
Following back-to-back defeats to the likes of Denver Nuggets and Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets recorded a 107-87 win over Los Angeles Lakers last night. It is well known, though, that Kobe Bryant and his teammates have been struggling this season and, no doubt, L.A. Clippers will pose a much bigger threat for J.B. Bickerstaff’s men than their previous rivals. Key player James Harden scored 25 points against Lakers, with Howard adding 16 points and 15 rebounds in the victory over Los Angeles. The good news for the fans is that coach J.B. Bickerstaff, who took over the reins in November, has no injury worries ahead of the Clippers game and the hosts definitely seem capable of recording their fifth consecutive win in Toyota Center. James Harden was held to 7-24 (FG) shooting against Lakers and the outcome of Sunday’s game between Rockets and Clippers is likely to depend on his shooting percentage.
As I have already mentioned, coach J.B. Bickerstaff has no fresh selection worries ahead of the visit of L.A. Clippers, but Marcus Thorthon could be recalled after missing the L.A. Lakers game.
Three consecutive wins
Los Angeles Clippers did well to reach the Western Conference semis last season, but Houston eventually proved to be big catch for Doc Rivers’ charges. The Clippers were beaten by the Rockets earlier this season as well and no doubt the visitors are hungry for revenge. L.A. Clippers head into the match following a 103-90 victory over Milwaukee Bucks and you should know that they are on a three-match winning run ahead of the trip to Texas. Blake Griffin failed to impress against Bucks as he scored no more than 15 points in the last game, but playmaker Chris Paul was at the top of his game. All eyes will be on the duo when Doc Rivers’ team take on Houston in Toyota Center and it remains to be seen if the Clippers are capable of putting an end to their four-game losing run, speaking of matches against Rockets. It has to be noted that the visitors are after their seventh win on the road this season.
The likes of Bass, Brown, Huertas and Kelly did not play against Milwaukee (technical decision) and they are all pushing for recalls.
Important Facts
- Houston Rockets have scored more than 100 points in each of their previous four home fixtures
- The Rockets have conceded at least 100 points in 16 of their last 17 home matches
- J.B. Bickerstaff’s team are after their fifth consecutive win over L.A. Clippers
- L.A. Clippers have recorded four wins in previous six away games
- Doc Rivers’ team have scored at least 100 points in each of last eight meetings with Houston Rockets
- Clippers have scored 313 points in total in previous three NBA games
Houston Rockets vs L.A. Clippers betting pick
When Houston Rockets and L.A. Clippers take on each other a high-scoring affair is guaranteed. There were some entertaining showdowns in the past when the two teams faced each other and seeing that both sides are likely to stick to their attacking styles of play, I am tempted to put my money on over 212.5 points this time out. When the two teams met earlier this season Houston Rockets recorded a 109-105 win.
Pick: Over 212.5 points
Odds: -110
