Clippers 7-3 ATS This Season; 2.5-Point Underdog in Houston

• Clippers and Rockets own 7-3 overall records
• Los Angeles is 7-3 ATS this season
• Get the odds, our pick, and all the info you need to bet the game below

The latest Los Angeles Clippers vs Houston Rockets odds put the Clippers as underdogs as they head to Houston on Wednesday night.

Doc Rivers’ team has gone 7-3 against the spread in their opening games, which is also their season record. The Rockets had some early season issues but have taken advantage of a favorable recent schedule to put together a four-game winning streak.

This game represents a chance for the Rockets to put down a marker against the championship favorite. Houston have the benefit of facing the Clips before Paul George makes his debut – the former Pacers and Thunder star is expected to appear for the first time as a Clipper on Thursday against the Pelicans.

Los Angeles Clippers vs Houston Rockets Odds

Odds taken Nov. 13.

Shamet, Gordon Out

Two key shooters are missing. For the Clips, Landry Shamet is dealing with a high ankle sprain, and there’s no timetable for his recovery yet. For the Rockets, it’s Eric Gordon who’s absent. Gordon had a procedure on his knee recently and will be out of NBA action for several weeks.

Kawhi Leonard isn’t listed on injury report vs Houston. Paul George, who is leaning toward making his debut on Thursday vs New Orleans, is listed as questionable. Landry Shamet is out with a high ankle sprain https://t.co/HEuLgRuFlW

— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) November 13, 2019

Gordon being sidelined might not be a disaster if you look at his line (scoring under 10 per game and shooting less than 31% from the field), but there’s no doubting he’s been a key cog for the Rockets in recent seasons. Houston’s rotation isn’t blessed with the best depth in the league.

Finding a way to cover Gordon’s minutes effectively will need the best version of Austin Rivers.

Paul Trade Could Haunt Houston

Lou Williams, Patrick Beverley and Montrezl Harrell all find another gear against the Rockets. Beverley loves a duel with a superstar and has a knack for bothering Russell Westbrook. The trio were all sent to Los Angeles in the Chris Paul trade and have played a major role in the rapid retool at Staples Center.

Williams and Harrell have caused significant problems for Houston, and Mike D’Antoni will need to be masterful with his rotations to minimize their impact. The dynamic bench duo combined for 109 points over their three games against the Rockets last season, including a huge 53-point in Houston last October.

The Rockets’ defense has been vulnerable this season and ranks bottom 10 in the NBA in offensive rebounds conceded. Defending the pick and roll has been one of their strengths, however, and it will be fascinating to see if Williams and Harrell can impact the game when Kawhi Leonard is on the bench.

Leonard, Harden Duel

Kawhi endured his worst game of the season in his first matchup against the Raptors since leading them to the title.

Scoring just 12 points on 2-for-11 from the field, the reigning Finals MVP will likely bounce back against the Rockets. There has been a leap forward in his passing this season, and facing one of the worst three-point defending teams in the league (Houston rank 25^th in three-point attempts given up and 24^th in opponent’s three-point percentage), Leonard’s ball movement will be important.

https://twitter.com/clipperinsider/status/1192851023594786816

Whether he guards Harden throughout or the assignment is moved around the team, his role defensively – particularly in the fourth quarter – will be massive. Leonard has lit up countless opponents in clutch time this season, and we could be in for an epic end-of-game duel with Harden at both ends.

Thriller In Houston

This has the makings of a thriller. Houston’s 3rd best NBA offense meets a stifling Clips defense with Leonard and Harden facing off in the fourth quarter. Toyota Center is in for a treat.

The Clippers look good at +110 to win the game. Leonard is one of the few players in the league capable of slowing, if not stopping, Harden and their bench minutes might be dominant enough to give them an edge.

Pick: Clippers moneyline at +110