After a rough start to the 2022-23 schedule with 10 road games in their first 13, including two road trips of at least four games in length, the young Houston Rockets (2-11) finally have an extended stretch at home for five of their next six games. It starts with Monday’s matchup at Toyota Center versus the Los Angeles Clippers (7-6).
If you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research for the Rockets-Clippers game, you’re in luck! We’ll give you the latest point spread, money line odds and over/under number, as well as the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet at BetMGM.
The game starts at 7 p.m. Central and can be seen via AT&T SportsNet Southwest (in Houston markets) or on NBA League Pass.
The Clippers and Rockets have already played twice this season; Los Angeles won both. However, each game was decided by single digits, including a two-point thriller in Los Angeles that wasn’t decided until Paul George’s game-winning shot in the final seconds.
The statistical standout for the Rockets in those two prior meetings with the Clippers was big man Alperen Sengun, who averaged 20 points (57.1% FG), 11 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 31.6 minutes.
The lines, courtesy of BetMGM
- Point spread: Clippers -5.5
- Money line: Clippers -225 / Rockets +180
- Over-under: 220.5
Click here to place your bets at BetMGM.
Clippers at Rockets injury report:
- Rockets: Jae’Sean Tate out (right ankle soreness), Bruno Fernando out (left knee soreness), Jalen Green questionable (right shoulder soreness)
- Clippers: Kawhi Leonard out, (right knee injury management), John Wall out (left knee injury management)
Advice and prediction
The Clippers will need to be careful with minutes management, since they’re on night one of a back-to-back with another game Tuesday in Dallas. It’s also worth noting that Houston kept it close versus Los Angeles in two earlier meetings despite sluggish numbers by Jalen Green (17.5 points, 38.2% FG, 30.8% on 3-pointers). This time, Green enters with much more momentum following Saturday’s 33-point outburst on strong efficiency in New Orleans.
With that in mind, we’ll take Houston to cover as long as Green (questionable) plays, which should be known once head coach Stephen Silas conducts his pregame media session at 5:15 p.m. Central. Green hasn’t yet missed any games due to the shoulder soreness.
The under (220.5) could also be a good play, since neither of the previous two meetings even exceeded 210 combined points.
Prediction: Clippers 109, Rockets 105
Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.
