Following an epic series win over the defending champs, the No. 3 Los Angeles Clippers (4-3 SU, 3-4 ATS) take on the No. 2 Houston Rockets (4-1 SU, 4-1 ATS) Monday in Game One of the Western Conference semifinals. You can watch the game live on TNT.
After knocking off the defending champion Spurs in a dramatic series that went seven games, the Clippers have a short turnaround when they start their Western Conference semifinal round with the Rockets. The Clips advanced to the second round for the fourth time and second straight year and are looking for their first ever conference final appearance.
After disposing of the Mavericks in five games the Rockets have been idle for six days waiting for the winner of the Clips-Spurs classic series and are a part of the second round for only the second time since 1997. The teams split the four-game regular season series with the Rockets taking the last two by a combined seven points and all four cashed the under.
KEY INJURY
Clippers guard Chris Paul strained his left hamstring in the first quarter of Saturday’s game and is listed as questionable for Monday. Paul left the game briefly and returned to hit the game-winning shot, but it was clear the injury was affecting his play.
QUOTE TO NOTE
“We have a lot of guys in this locker room that are hungry. They want to win and want to do whatever it takes to win. When you get a group like that, you got a lot of guys who are willing to sacrifice.” – Rockets guard James Harden
BETTING TRENDS
- Los Angeles is 13-3-1 ATS in its last 17 road games.
- Houston is 21-7 ATS in its last 28 home games.
- The UNDER is 4-0 in the last four head-to-head meetings.
KEY STATS
2: Clippers forward Blake Griffin collected 24 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists for his second triple-double of the playoffs after not having one during the regular season.
20: Rockets guard James Harden averaged 20 points in four regular season games against the Clippers. He scored 25 points total in two losses, including one of his two single-digit scoring games, while going for 55 points in Houston’s two wins.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
With an already paper-thin lineup the Clippers move into the second round of the playoffs and might be without starting point guard Chris Paul, who injured his hamstring Saturday and was noticeably affected even when he hit the game-winning shot over Tim Duncan for a dramatic series win. “My guess is right now, if I had to guess, I would say no but I’m not sure,” coach Doc Rivers said of Paul’s status after Saturday’s win. If Paul can’t go Doc’s son Austin Rivers will see more time at the point backed up by Lester Hudson, who was signed on Apr. 11.
Having Dwight Howard back healthy from knee ailments and playing at a high level has the Rockets feeling good about their chances of reaching the Western Conference finals. Howard returned to the lineup near the end of the regular season and averaged 16.6 points and 13.8 rebounds against the Mavericks. He scored 28 points in Game Two and collected 26 rebounds in Game Three. Of course the Rockets have James Harden, who scored at least 24 points in every first round series game.
Even if Chris Paul plays his hamstring has to be an issue. The Clippers might be better off giving him an extra day to heal the injury and rely on the play of Blake Griffin, who was dominant against the Spurs, going for 24 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists for his second triple-double in the postseason. Matt Barnes and JJ Redick also stood out in Saturday’s win. The Rockets had five days off between games and will be rested while the Clips suffer a letdown following an emotional first round series win.
Houston 110, Los Angeles 101
The NBA lines for this contest will first be released by BookMaker sportsbook. Gamble on the game between every commercial break with BookMaker’s live betting feature. Along with an adjusted in-game moneyline, you can wager on what will happen on the next play or how many points will be scored in the next half. Live betting is the most exciting way to play!
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone with BookMaker’s new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here and start wagering today! The matchup between the Los Angeles Clippers and Houston Rockets will go down Monday, May 4, 2015, at 9:30 p.m. ET at the Toyota Center. The contest will be broadcast nationally on TNT.
