The Los Angeles Clippers (1-1) challenge the Houston Rockets (1-1) at Staples Center. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Sunday, October 21, 2018, and will air on NBATV.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 225 points with Houston opening as a 2.5-point favorite.
Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Clippers Free Prediction
In the Rockets’ last matchup, they beat the Los Angeles Lakers, 124-115, as 8-point underdogs. The total points for the game (239) were over the projected point total of 232. The Rockets had a better free throw rate (0.208 vs. 0.110) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (27.1 vs. 18.0). Houston was lifted by Chris Paul, who contributed 28 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds.
The Clippers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder in their last matchup, 108-92, comfortably covering as 3-point favorites. The game’s combined points (200) came in under the projected point total of 214. Getting to the free throw line was one of Los Angeles’ biggest advantages. They made 36 trips to the line, while Oklahoma City went 23 times. With 26 points and 10 rebounds, Los Angeles’ Tobias Harris had a good performance.
Since last season, a focal point for the Los Angeles offense has been to get to and convert from the free throw line. The Clippers rank fourth in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.224), but Houston has been among the best in the league at keeping opponents away from the charity stripe (ranking fourth by yielding a FTA rate of 0.173).
The Rockets are 66-18 straight up (SU) and 48-45-1 against the spread (ATS) since last season. Just over half of Houston games have finished over the O/U total since last season.
The Clippers, on the other hand, have records of 43-41 SU and 43-47-1 ATS since last season. Just over half of Los Angeles’ games have finished over the O/U total over that same period.
These two teams split four games last season. In the most recent contest, the Rockets won 101-96. Houston did an excellent job of making free throws (19-23; 82.6 percent). Los Angeles, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (8.2 vs. 9.9).
Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Clippers Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Rockets, ATS Winner – Rockets, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
In games where they allow less than 100 points, Houston is 38-3 and Los Angeles is 14-2.
The Clippers are 41-27 when they reach 100 points, while the Rockets are 72-16.
Los Angeles ranks third in points in the paint per game (52.0) while Houston ranks 28th (41.2).
The Rockets rank sixth in blocks allowed per game (4.5) while the Clippers rank 29th (5.6).
Houston ranks fifth in steals per game (8.4) while Los Angeles ranks 26th in steals allowed per game (8.5).
The Rockets rank first in three pointers attempted per game (41.9) while the Clippers rank 22nd (26.8).
Los Angeles ranks fourth in second chance points per game (13.8) while Houston ranks 22nd (11.4).
The Rockets rank 15th in fast break points allowed per game (12.1) while the Clippers rank last (15.3).
Houston ranks 11th in points off turnovers per game (16.9) while Los Angeles ranks 22nd in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.4).
The Clippers rank 20th in assists per game (22.3) while the Rockets rank 28th (21.1).
Houston ranks 19th in rebounds per game (43.4) while Los Angeles ranks 21st in rebounds allowed per game (43.9).
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