NBA Picks: Clippers vs. Rockets 3/1/22

Los Angeles Clippers (32-31 SU, 31-32-0 ATS) vs. Houston Rockets (15-45 SU, 24-35-1 ATS)

When: Tuesday March 01 2022, 08:00 PM (ET)

Where: Toyota Center, Houston Texas

TV: BSSC

Point Spread: LAC -7/HOU +7(Opened LAC -7.5 at BetNow – 100% REAL CASH bonus up to 1K!)

Total: 229.5 (Opened at 229.5)

Money Line: Los Angeles Clippers -269/Houston Rockets +217

Power Rating: LAC -7

Probable Starting Lineups

Los Angeles Clippers PG Reggie Jackson, SG Terance Mann, SF Nicolas Batum, PF Marcus Morris, C Ivica Zubac

Houston Rockets PG Kevin Porter Q, SG Jalen Green, SF Eric Gordon, PF Jae’Sean Tate, C Christian Wood

Key Injuries

Clippers
Paul George: elbow (OUT) Kawhi Leonard: knee (OUT) Norman Powell: foot (OUT) Jason Preston: foot (OUT) Jay Scrubb: toe (OUT)

Rockets
Usman Garuba: wrist (OUT) Kevin Porter Jr.: ankle (QUESTIONABLE) John Wall: holdout (OUT)

The Houston Rockets host the Los Angeles Clippers in a Non-Conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 08:00 PM ET at the Toyota Center.

Recent Form

The Los Angeles Clippers come into this game with an overall record of 32-31, placing them 8th in the Western Conference. Throughout the season, Los Angeles has struggled in their 32 road contests, sitting at 14-18. Over their last five games, the Clippers have played well, picking up 4 wins. During this stretch, Los Angeles is averaging 112.0 points per game, 5.0 points more than their season average of 106.7. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 112.0 points per contest. The Clippers have been picking up wins while holding opponents to an average of 104.0 points per game, similar to their season average of 107.4. In the Los Angeles Clippers’ most recent game, Los Angeles took down Houston by a score of 99-98

The Houston Rockets come into this game with an overall record of 15-45, placing them 15th in the Western Conference. Throughout the season, Houston has struggled in their 27 home contests, sitting at 8-19. Over the Rockets’ last five games, the team has failed to pick up a win. In this stretch, Houston’s offense is scoring right in line with their season average, putting up 108.0 points per game. Combined, the Rockets’ last five opponents are giving up 108.0 points per contest. A key reason for the Rockets’ recent struggles is a defensive unit giving up 124.0 points over their last five contests. This figure is up from their season average of 117.8. In the Houston Rockets’ most recent game, the team fell to the LA Clippers by a score of 99-98.

Individual Player Analysis

As Los Angeles travels to take on the Houston Rockets, the Clippers’ leading scorer is Reggie Jackson at 16.7 points per game. On the season, Houston has allowed their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their average in 43.0% of their games, placing them in the top 10. On the other side, Christian Wood leads the Rockets in scoring, averaging 17 points across his 56 games. Throughout the season, Wood has outscored his season average in 57.0% of his outings. However, if he hopes to add to this total, Wood will need to do so against a Clippers defense that has been tough on their opponent’s top scorers. So far, leading scores have surpassed their season average at a rate of just 41.82%. This figure is good for a rank of 7th in the league.

Matchup Analysis

Heading into this matchup, the Los Angeles Clippers are the more efficient team on both ends of the court. This scenario has taken place in 2 of Los Angeles’s 31 games, leading to a winning percentage of 50%. So far, the Houston Rockets have played 53 games as the inferior offensive and defensive unit. In these instances, they have lost 53 times, by an average margin of -12.0 points.

The Historicals

Heading into today’s matchup, the Los Angeles Clippers and Houston Rockets have met up for 2 games. In their last meeting, Los Angeles picked up a 99-98 win.

More Picks: Get Joe’s Nets/Raptors Predicted Point Spread Winner >>>

How the Public is Betting the Clippers vs Rockets

67% are betting the Clippers against the spread.

52% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 229.5

Betting Trends Worth Noting

• Clippers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
• Clippers are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games playing on 1 days rest.
• Rockets are 14-38 ATS in their last 52 games as a home underdog.
• Rockets are 8-22 ATS in their last 30 games overall.

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

Even though the Clippers only squeaked out a win in their last meeting with the Rockets, I recommend taking the Clippers to cover the spread. For the year, Los Angeles has shown the ability to both shoot and defend the three-point line. So far, the Clippers have the 6th best three-point defense, holding opponents to just 33.8% shooting. On the other side, Houston ranks 5th in three-point attempts but is well below the league average in efficiency. Bet your LAC/Hou prediction for FREE by taking advantage of a 100% REAL CASH bonus on your first deposit of $100 to $500 at GTBets Sportsbook!