Houston (11-4) at LA Clippers (10-5)
When: Friday, November 22nd, 2019
Where: Staples Center,
Los Angeles, CA
Time: 10:35 ET | TV: ESPN
Opening Odds: Los Angeles -5/232
Los Angeles Clippers’ fans have been waiting all season to see their two superstars on the court together and prove to the world that they are the best team in the NBA. It took overtime, but Kawhi Leonard and Paul George helped the Clippers get past the Boston Celtics on Wednesday and now will get an even tougher test with the red-hot Houston Rockets on Friday night. Leonard (knee) returned from a three-game absence and was a little rusty against the Celtics, hitting only 7-of-20 shots for 17 points, while George played his fourth game and recorded 25 points and eight assists. Only Leonard was around back on Nov. 13 when the Clippers lost to the Rockets 102-93, scoring 26 points on 10-of-24 shooting. That loss was part of an eight-game winning streak the Rockets were enjoying until it came to an end in Wednesday’s 105-95 setback to the Denver Nuggets – an outcome we predicted. Star guard James Harden scored 27 versus Denver, snapping a streak of at least 36 in eight straight games, but poured in 47 in the Nov. 13 contest with the Clippers. Houston has won four of the last six meetings, but are just 3-3 ATS in those.
Despite the loss on Wednesday, the Rockets are one of the hottest – and most feared – teams in the league. They are relatively healthy right now with the exception of forward Danuel House Jr. (11.2 points, 4.8 rebounds), who is dealing with a shoulder injury and is unlikely to play Friday. Houston was held to a season-low 95 points against the Nuggets, but are still third in the NBA in scoring at 117.9 points a game. The Rockets only shoot 33.9 percent from long range and were just 12-of-38 on Wednesday. Center Clint Capela continues to dominate the board, recording at least 20 in five straight games to increase his average to 13.7 – fifth-best in the league. Houston will return for a three-game homestand on Sunday against Dallas, Miami, and Atlanta.
The Clippers are trying to keep pace with the Lakers in the Western Conference and have had a wild past week with a 150-101 blowout of Atlanta, then scoring just 90 in a win over Oklahoma City just two days later. The win against Boston was their third straight and confidence is high with Leonard and George together. Lou Williams led all scorers with 27 points on Wednesday – off the bench – while Patrick Beverley had a superb all-around game with a career-best 16 rebounds to go along with 14 points and seven assists. Leonard and George each played 37 minutes against Boston. Shooting guard Landry Shamet (ankle) could miss his sixth straight game.
All the talk is about the dynamic-duo in Los Angeles, but Houston has an even better combo in Harden and Russell Westbrook, and don’t forget about Clint Capela. How many times will you get the Rockets at +5 this season? Not many, so take it while you can.
Check out who Bobby Babowski has on his Free NBA Picks page for Friday. He is 20-11 on the season after a 3-1 run!
Pick: Rockets +5
Rockets are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Rockets are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 vs. NBA Pacific.
Rockets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Rockets are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Rockets are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 vs. Western Conference.
Rockets are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up loss.
Rockets are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS loss.
Rockets are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Rockets are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Clippers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Clippers are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 home games.
Clippers are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games following a straight up win.
Clippers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.
Clippers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Clippers are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games playing on 1 days rest.
Clippers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 Friday games.
Under is 4-0 in Rockets last 4 games following a ATS loss.
Under is 7-1 in Rockets last 8 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Under is 5-1-1 in Rockets last 7 Friday games.
Under is 5-1 in Rockets last 6 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 4-1 in Rockets last 5 vs. Western Conference.
Under is 4-1 in Rockets last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 20-6 in Rockets last 26 road games.
Under is 21-8-2 in Rockets last 31 games playing on 1 days rest.
Under is 5-2 in Rockets last 7 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 7-3-1 in Rockets last 11 vs. NBA Pacific.
Under is 9-4-1 in Rockets last 14 games following a straight up loss.
Under is 38-17-1 in Rockets last 56 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Under is 56-27-2 in Rockets last 85 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Under is 33-16-2 in Rockets last 51 overall.
Under is 4-0 in Clippers last 4 games following a straight up win.
Under is 6-1 in Clippers last 7 vs. Western Conference.
Under is 5-1 in Clippers last 6 games playing on 1 days rest.
Under is 4-1 in Clippers last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Under is 8-2 in Clippers last 10 home games.
Under is 9-3 in Clippers last 12 overall.
Under is 6-2 in Clippers last 8 games following a ATS loss.
Under is 6-2 in Clippers last 8 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 5-2 in Clippers last 7 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 7-3 in Clippers last 10 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 13-6 in Clippers last 19 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
