The Clippers have really turned it up a notch lately but
will they have enough to defeat the Rockets in Houston on Wednesday night?
L.A's “other team” had won seven of their nine games heading
into a difficult matchup on the road versus the Dallas Mavericks.
The LA Clippers managed to keep things interesting, but
ultimately could not come through, falling 105-112. It was defense that was
majorly lacking in the loss as Dallas had four different players who scored at
least 20 points.
Regardless of the defeat, Blake Griffin recorded yet another
double-double, scoring 22 points to go along with 11 rebounds and four assists.
Point guard Baron Davis chipped in with 21 points and six assists.
Houston meanwhile has been extremely inconsistent in recent
weeks, stringing together consecutive wins and losses frequently.
The Rockets ended a two-game slide with an entertaining
129-125 victory over the Timberwolves in Minnesota.
Houston was favored by three heading in and barely covered,
with Kevin Martin going off for 34 points on 9-of-18 shooting from the floor.
Luis Scola also had a solid night, logging 20 points and 12 rebounds in the
win.
Western Conference showdown sees Rockets favored
The Houston Rockets will assuredly be the favored at home by the NBA odds boards, and
should feel good knowing they are 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings versus
Los Angeles.
Still, Houston is a poor 2-7-1 ATS in the team's previous 10
games at home and cannot afford to let up against a team that is beginning to
click on all cylinders.
Eric Gordon, who leads the Clippers in scoring, has however
been ruled out for at least three weeks with a wrist injury and Vinny Del
Negro's squad felt the immediate effects of his absence against the Mavericks.
Will they fall short once again versus the Rockets?
Actually I think they'll pull out the cover. The Clippers
are playing great ball as of late, and while Gordon's injury is a big blow,
Blake Griffin's dominance in the post should keep this game close.
Likely a shoe-in for the Rookie of the Year award, Griffin
has already established himself as one of the league's brightest talents and
he'll be almost a double-double guarantee from here on out.
Squares often like to steer clear of backing teams that will
be without a key contributor but it often ends up biting them in the rear. Side
with the Clippers in this spot as they look to rebound following a tough game
against the Mavericks.
FREE NBA Pick: Clippers and OVER