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- What: NBA Regular Season Game
- When: November 13, 2024
- Who: LA Clippers vs. Houston Rockets
- Time: 8:00 p.m. EST
- Where: Toyota Center (Houston, TX)
Wednesday night features an exciting matchup in the Western Conference as the Los Angeles Clippers take on the Houston Rockets.
The Rockets, currently enjoying a two-game winning streak at home, aim to build on their surprising start to the season. Their young core, spearheaded by Alperen Sengun, is showing promise.
However, if Fred VanVleet cannot play due to a hamstring concern, the Rockets may have problems overcoming it.
The Clippers will play without Kawhi Leonard due to his knee injury, making it more difficult for James Harden to handle the scoring responsibilities.
Before we examine our picks, be sure to check out the best NBA Basketball Betting Sites.
Game Preview (Clippers vs. Rockets)
The Clippers have won their last five games in this arena. Will the Rockets be able to put an end to that streak?
| Spread |  |  |  |
| LA Clippers +4.5 points | -105 | -105 | -105 |
| Houston Rockets -4.5 points | -115 | -115 | -115 |
With two wins in their last three matches and a three-game winning streak at home, the Rockets are riding a wave of momentum that gives them a psychological advantage.
The Rockets’ young roster, featuring Alperen Sengun, who averages an impressive 17.8 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, has been displaying remarkable teamwork and vigor.
Jalen Green, adding 20.7 points per game, adds a powerful offensive presence that could take advantage of the Clippers’ shaky perimeter defense.
The Rockets will rely heavily on their home-court advantage at the Toyota Center, especially given their notable defensive improvements this season, where they’ve allowed an average of just 106.5 points per game.
This strong defensive play may pose a significant challenge for the Clippers, who have had difficulty establishing a steady offensive rhythm, particularly with Kawhi Leonard sidelined due to a knee injury.
Season-high in blocks and steals for the squad last night!
📊 Amen Thompson: 4 BLK | 4 STL
📊 Tari Eason: 2 BLK | 3 STL
📊 Alperen Sengun: 3 BLK
📊 Jabari Smith Jr.: 1 BLK
📊 Jalen Green: 2 STL
📊 Dillon Brooks: 2 STL
📊 Reed Sheppard: 1 STLTeam effort 👏 pic.twitter.com/MqBZXltR3z
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) November 12, 2024
On the offensive side, the Rockets boast a well-rounded lineup with five players averaging double-digit points, creating a diverse threat that could put pressure on the Clippers’ defense.
If Houston can manage the game’s tempo and leverage their enhanced team chemistry, they are likely to secure a statement win against this talented Clippers team.
However, the Rockets laying 4.5 points feels like too many points. Even though, I think the Rockets will win, the game will likely be closer than the spread.
I’d take the points and bet the Clippers in this one.
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Total Points
The team’s offensive strength, spearheaded by James Harden and Norman Powell, will be instrumental in this contest. Harden, who is averaging 20.8 points and 9.0 assists per game, has proven to be a dependable playmaker for the squad.
| Total Points | | | |
| Over 214 | -110 | -110 | -105 |
| Under 214 | -110 | -110 | -115 |
His knack for creating chances for his teammates and scoring when necessary will be vital against the Rockets’ defense.
Meanwhile, Norman Powell is contributing an impressive 26.0 points per game. He is shooting a remarkable 50.5% shooting from beyond the arc, making him a potent scoring option that can effectively open up the floor.
Yes sir, STORMIN’ NORMAN!!👌⛈️ pic.twitter.com/chRyZ9oynK
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) November 12, 2024
The Clippers’ strong defense, a key asset this season, will be crucial in limiting the effectiveness of the Rockets’ youthful lineup. Adding players like Nic Batum and Derrick Jones Jr. has enhanced the Clippers’ defensive flexibility.
This advantage could be critical against a Rockets team that has faced challenges with offensive efficiency. They finished 20th in offensive rating last season.
While the Clippers have the experience and scoring depth to maintain a close score, their defense may be tested without Kawhi Leonard.
The Rockets have strengthened their defense, limiting opponents to just 106.5 points per game, which may challenge the Clippers’ offense.
These teams are in for some offensive fireworks on Wednesday night. I’d bet over 214 points in this matchup.
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