A conference tilt has the Los Angeles Clippers (39-21) and the Houston Rockets (27-34) squaring off on Wednesday evening. This is the second game of the season between these two, and Los Angeles has dominated the series lately. It has won eight straight games over Houston, and on Nov. 17, the Clippers beat the Rockets 106-100. Russell Westbrook (hand) is out for the Clippers, while Tari Eason (leg) is out for the Rockets, with Jabari Smith (illness) questionable.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET at Toyota Center in Houston. Los Angeles is a 6.5-point favorite in the latest Clippers vs. Rockets odds, per SportsLine consensus. The over/under for total points is 223. Before making any Rockets vs. Clippers picks, be sure to see the NBA predictions from SportsLine's proven model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past five-plus seasons. The model enters Week 20 of the 2023-24 NBA season on a sizzling 64-40 roll on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning more than $2,200. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Los Angeles vs. Houston. You can visit SportsLine now to see the picks. Here are several NBA odds and betting lines for Rockets vs. Clippers:
- Clippers vs. Rockets spread: Los Angeles -6.5
- Clippers vs. Rockets Over-Under: 223 points
- Clippers vs. Rockets money line: Los Angeles -274, Houston +221
- LAC: The Clippers have hit the money line in 31 of their last 42 games
- HOU: The Rockets have hit the money line in 26 of their last 39 home games
- Clippers vs. Rockets picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why the Clippers can cover
Forward Paul George has always been an athletic and smooth bucket-getter throughout his career. George has swift ball handles with a sweet jumper from all three levels. The 33-year-old averages 22.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while shooting 39.6% from downtown. In his last outing, George had 29 points and five rebounds.
Guard Norman Powell is a nice spark plug off the bench. Powell plays the game with some juice and has a knack for attacking the lane. He can also knockdown perimeter jumpers, and the UCLA product logs 13.6 points and 2.6 rebounds per contest. On Mar. 3, Powell had 24 points and three rebounds. See who to back at SportsLine.
Why the Rockets can cover
Center Alperen Sengun is making his presence known when he's on the court. Sengun boasts excellent body control in the pick-and-roll or in the lane. The 21-year-old is smooth with the ball in his hands as well, and he leads the team in both scoring (21.3) and rebounds (9.3). In last night's win against the Spurs, Sengun dropped a career-high 45 points, 16 rebounds, and five steals.
Guard Jalen Green is another athletic bucket-getter for Houston. Green can naturally score the basketball and has the bounce to high fly above the rim. The 2021 No. 2 overall pick puts up 18.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per contest. On Mar. 2, Green amassed 34 points, nine rebounds, and four assists. See who to back at SportsLine.
How to make Rockets vs. Clippers picks
SportsLine's model is leaning Over on the total, projecting the teams to combine for 227 points. The model also says one side of the spread hits well over 50% of the time. You can only see the picks at SportsLine.
So who wins Clippers vs. Rockets, and which side of the spread hits well over 50% of the time? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the Rockets vs. Clippers spread you need to jump on, all from the model on a 64-40 roll on top-rated NBA picks this season, and find out.
