Do the Golden State Warriors have a true challenge to their throne? The Houston Rockets certainly seem to be making their case. Houston has one fewer loss than the Warriors as the season winds down and would love to finish the year with the best record in the NBA. They could pick up a key win next time out on the road against the Los Angeles Clippers.
This is a critical game as well for the Clippers as they could use a win in a push for one of the last playoff spots. Los Angeles is at home and that is certainly a big benefit but the Rockets are playing really well right now and will be favored to come away with another victory.
Don't miss the hardwood action from the Staples Center at 10:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 28, 2018. Catch every moment of the game live on ESPN.
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Odds Analysis
The Rockets are 46-13 straight up and 30-28-1 against the spread. Houston has covered in 18 of 29 attempts on the road this season. The Rockets are 28-25-1 against the spread as the favorite on the season.
The Clippers are 31-27 straight up and 33-25 against the spread. Los Angeles has covered in half of their 28 home games on the season. The Clippers are 14-14 against the spread as the underdog.
Key Stat
12. That’s how many games in a row the Rockets have won coming into this matchup. Houston had some lulls earlier in the season when either Chris Paul or James Harden were hurt but now both are in the lineup and the team is playing extremely well.
The Rockets jumped past the Warriors in the standings but will need to play really well down the stretch to keep that lead. Harden is averaging 31.5 points, 9.0 assists and 5.1 rebounds on the season and could finish the year as the MVP if the Rockets finish the season strong.
Paul has been a great addition from these Clippers. He has added 19.2 points, 8.2 assists and 5.8 rebounds per contest. Houston has the best average point-differential in the NBA as well as the best record so there is little question that they are the top contender to Golden State’s crown.
Player To Watch
Lou Williams — The former Rocket has put together a great season after he was acquired by the Clippers in the Paul trade this offseason. Los Angeles needed a go-to guy after losing Paul and then Blake Griffin to trades, and Williams has filled the void.
He is averaging 23.3 points, 5.4 assists and 1.1 steals per contest. Williams is hitting 44.2 percent from the field and 37.7 percent from three-point range. He has the capability to get really hot from the field and help carry the team from stretches.
The Rockets know Williams well and need to keep him in check. If they can do so, the Clippers may not have enough firepower elsewhere to keep up.
Free NBA ATS Picks
Houston might not be quite at Golden State’s level, but it is close. The Clippers are not good enough to keep up in a shootout as the Rockets should consistently get better looks because of the play-making skills of Harden and Paul.
Pencil in the 13th straight win for the Rockets as they claim this one on the road against the Clippers. Houston figures to be the favorite but should still be the choice to cover as it could be an easy night at the office even on the road.
NBA Odds: Rockets 123, Clippers 110
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