NBA Picks and Betting Tips: Los Angeles Clippers vs Houston Rockets Prediction, 16th November

NLB Staff

15.11.2024 12:33

Clippers vs Rockets Prediction

As the Los Angeles has been one of the most surprising darkhorse candidates without their star Kawhi Leonard, they will be playing a Rockets roster that has shown a successful rebuild process under head coach Ime Udoka. With these two teams having played each other in their last game, the Clippers ending winning 111-103. This matchup will happen on November 16th at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Below are our top player props, betting tips, key injuries, and previous matchups to help create a prediction for this game.

Clippers vs Rockets Key Betting Tips & Predictions

1. Los Angeles Clippers vs Houston Rockets Moneyline Pick

The Rockets' money line of -180 should be taken because they have been one of the strongest teams on both ends this season. Having Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet in the backcourt, they should score and be somewhere near the level of James Harden plus Norman Powell. But, the front court is what matters in this game and as Alperen Sengun continues dominating this season, he will be able to put up points against a weaker defender like Zubac. Even though he might lose some opportunities in the rebounding department, Sengun’s all-around game along with Jabari Smith’s abilities should help them score more than Ivica Zubac and Derrick Jones Jr. Having a piece like Dillon Brooks against Terrance Mann, and the depth of this Rockets squad, they should win their -180 money line and hopefully starting changing around their record vs Clippers.

2. Los Angeles Clippers vs Houston Rockets Point Spread Pick

As the spread for Houston in this game is at -4.5, it is worth the take because they should have a better overall advantage in all four quarters. With the more complete roster, this Rockets team is led by Jalen Green at shooting guard once again. In a great matchup against Norman Powell, both of them should be able to have one of the best 1 vs 1 scoring battles, but the jumping ability and youth of Green give him more energy to make key defensive plays. While Powell can play minutes, the Rockets shooting guard has proven to be more consistent with them and it will help to have someone like Fred VanVleet by his side. Although James Harden will probably end up winning that battle by attacking VanVleet at the hoop and in the paint, even someone like the Rockets guard can provide an offensive effort. As more of a passer unlike Harden who is both, he has also shown to create a lot of turnovers and could force the Clippers' point guard to lose the ball a ton in transition. With Dillon Brooks still being one of the most elite 3/defensive guys in the league, he should continue showing prowess against a much smaller Terrance Mann. In the middle, Alperen Sengun’s all-around game should help control Zubac who is mostly just known for put-backs, while Jabari Smith Jr. will create switches to help on defense with his length. Seeing all this, the Rockets have quite the advantage and should win their -4.5 spread.

3. Los Angeles Clippers vs Houston RocketsOver/Under Pick (Total Points)

Seeing that the over/under is 213.5 points in this matchup, it is mostly due to the Clippers having a lot more innovative pieces stepping up to replace their star, but not that at the same production level. In addition to the Rockets just starting to become very successful again, their roster has had some very good scorers including their young shooting guard who is finally finding his grove. Having an all-around scorer at the center and someone who can use his size to attack the basket at power forward, this group also has two terrific 3-point short wings. Off the bench, they have shown to have another power forward who can create his offense along with a rising small forward. Meanwhile, the Clippers have an elite backcourt and one of the better scoring centers in the middle. Having some vital pieces come into the game to create quick layups by driving in and a designated three-point-shooter off the bench, this roster has more than enough talent to help this line hit the over. As both teams combined for 214 points last time out, they should have an even bigger scoring varage here.

Los Angeles Clippers vs Houston Rockets Top Player Props

Ivica Zubac over 10.5 rebounds at 1.87: As the Clippers center continues to be one of the most underrated rebounders league-wide, he will once again have a productive night on both sides. Knowing that he can attack the offensive glass with will, he can help create many 2nd chance opportunities with a mismatch against Steven Adams off the bench. Although Alepren Sengun and Zubac will have a competitive battle for boards, the Clippers center should get a good amount from there too, and combine for over or somewhat near his season average of 12.2 rebounds a night.

Alperen Sengun over 19.5 points at 1.91: Seeing that the Rockets big-man has continued to be a great all-around scorer, his advantage over Zubac when creating shots on the perimeter will be a key. As someone who can create great layup and floater looks as well, he should continue to be on a roll from inside the paint as well while using the pick-and-roll game to his advantage. As Sengun averages 17.4 points a night, he should be able to hit over that in a matchup where the Rockets will need him as it’s set to be a high-scoring affair.

Los Angeles Clippers vs Houston Rockets Injury News & Impact

Los Angeles Clippers Injuries: As the Clippers enter this game having figured out how to play without Kawhi Leonard this whole season, they will continue using the same lineups that have helped them get to this surprise start.

Houston Rockets Injuries: Although Steven Adams is listed as questionable due to a knee injury, the center should be able to get in the lineup along with Jock Landale to help this Rockets team be fully healthy and support Ime Udoka with running this team’s same system.

La Clippers vs Rockets Head-to-Head Trends

As the Clippers had owned this matchup recently winning 9 of the last 11 games, this will be a much closer contest and could result in Houston starting a streak of their own. Although Los Angeles had won by 10 or more points in 4 of their last 6 matchups, the Rockets will close into this lead and try to capture a positive differential from their end. Seeing that the Clippers are 9-2 against the spread vs Houston over their last 10 games, the Rockets will try to close in and make this record look better on their end, while Los Angeles hopes to extend their lead in this matchup.

Betting Insights & Public Trends

As this matchup will take place, the Houston Rockets are favored to win this game by 64.3% of the bettors against Los Angeles.

Clippers vs Rockets Final Prediction

As both teams have played in a very similar fashion this season, the Rockets have shown more overall abilities and development throughout the early. Even though the Clippers look like quiet contenders as well, Houston should have an edge during this matchup due to players with more energy and hustle on both the offensive plus defensive ends. Led by Fred VanVleet at point guard, he has been a key component in facilitating the floor for this Houston squad while being a very solid passer and defender. Although he goes up against the bigger and more talented James Harden, VanVleet’s ability to poke loose balls in addition to keeping his cool on defense during pressure times will give this Houston squad an advantage. As Harden continues using his size and shot-making abilities to attack VanVleet, he won’t be able to score at a high volume like normal due to the Rocket’s point guard being elusive on closeouts as well. Next to them, the matchup between Jalen Green and Norman Powell is the major one at their respective shooting guard positions. As both have shown to be dominating scorers in the mid-range and from three, their defensive skills match each other well too. Although this battle will be more offensive, Jalen Green has shown the young spirit of getting more stops when his team needs it than Norman Powell this season. Knowing that Green also has a size advantage, he will be the player to have more chances for shooting while causing Powell into tougher situations. Noticing this thing, another key in this game is Dillon Brooks huge chance to dismantle Terrance Mann. With Brooks having a great ability to knock down long-range shots, he will use his size to create traps for Mann to either throw air-rid passes or take some really bad shots on rough looks. With the Rockets also having a huge mismatch at power forward, Jabari Smith Jr.’s two-way development has proved to show he is a great finisher near the basket and now can attack some of the biggest big men as well. Looking against someone athletic like Derrick Jones Jr., the Rockets forward should keep him quiet because Smith Jr. not only has a size advantage but can control the one offensive play Jones Jr. runs well. Looking in the middle Alperen Sengun’s great ability to create shots and get rebounds will help him outpace Ivica Zubac. Many people think that Zubac would win this matchup just purely because of his 2nd-chance creating opportunities, but that is not the case as Sengun can play defense on him and change possessions with blocks. All in all, Houston should win this game unless pieces of the Clippers like Kevin Porter Jr. and Amir Coffey really show up.

Our prediction: The Houston Rockets win and cover this -4.5 spread, while the score goes over 213.5 points.