Houston Rockets vs L.a. Clippers Clippers Picks and Predictions November 13th 2024

Rockets vs Clippers November 13th 2024

At 8:00 ET, the 5th ranked Rockets (-198) will host the 8th ranked Clippers (+167) in a Western Conference matchup. The over/under line is set at 215.

Los Angeles (6-5) is currently 4th in the Pacific Division, while Houston (7-4) is first in the Southwest. The Rockets are favored by 4.5 and have won two straight.

Clippers vs. Rockets Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: Los Angeles Clippers at Houston Rockets
• Where: Houston at Toyota Center
• Date: Wednesday, November 13th
• Betting Odds HOU -4.5, LAC +167 | HOU -198 O/U 215

The Clippers Can Win If…

After a 134-128 loss to the Thunder on Monday, the Clippers’ record dropped to 6-5. L.A. entered the game as +6.5 point underdogs and managed to cover the spread, losing by six. The total points for the game were 262, well over the 218.5 O/U line.

A 14-0 run by the Thunder in the 2nd quarter put the Clippers in a tough spot. L.A. responded with a strong 3rd quarter, outscoring OKC 41-33, but couldn’t complete the comeback, as they were outscored 35-34 in the 4th.

Norman Powell’s 31 points, including 18 in the 3rd quarter and 11 in the 4th, highlighted the Clippers’ offensive effort in their 134-128 loss to the Thunder. Ivica Zubac added 22 points and 14 rebounds, scoring 12 points in the final quarter.

The Clippers shot 55% from the field and hit 20 threes at a 54.1% rate. Derrick Jones Jr. contributed 20 points, hitting 4 threes at 80%, while Powell made 5 threes, shooting 62.5% from deep.

The Clippers gave up 134 points to the Thunder, including a tough 2nd quarter where they allowed 41 points. Oklahoma City shot 51% from the field in the game.

From beyond the arc, the Thunder hit 18 threes, shooting 39%. The Clippers sent them to the line 23 times, where they made 22 free throws.

• In their last five road games, Los Angeles has averaged 111 points per game while allowing 110 . The team’s record in this stretch was 3-2 while going 4-1 vs. the spread.
• Going back to their last ten games as the underdog, the Clippers have a straight up record of 4-6. But, their mark vs the spread was just 6-4.
• Over their last five games, the Clippers have an over/under record of 2-3 and are 4-1 vs. the spread.

The Rockets Can Win If…

The Rockets improved to 7-4 on the season with a 107-92 win over the Wizards on Monday. Playing at home, Houston entered the game as -12 favorites and covered the spread. The total score of 199 points fell well short of the O/U line of 230.

A key moment came when Houston went on a 10-0 run, stretching the score from 32-28 to 42-28. The Rockets extended their lead by winning the 2nd and 3rd quarters, and they went into the 4th up 82-69 before closing out the game by outscoring the Wizards 25-23 in the final period.

Alperen Şengün’s 27 points and 17 rebounds on 63.2% shooting led the Rockets to a win over the Wizards, with Jalen Green adding 18 points despite shooting 40% from the field. Amen Thompson contributed 13 points and 8 rebounds, shooting 50%.

The Rockets struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 5 threes at a 21.7% rate, but shot 46% overall. Şengün scored 13 points in the 4th quarter, while Thompson added 6 of his 13 points in the final period.

The Rockets put on a defensive clinic against the Wizards, holding them to just 92 points on 40% shooting. Houston’s defense tightened up after the 1st quarter, allowing only 21 points in the 2nd and 20 in the 3rd. They gave up 23 points in the 4th but still secured the win.

From beyond the arc, the Rockets limited the Wizards to 11 threes on 35% shooting. Washington went to the line just 13 times, making 9 free throws. Houston controlled the boards with 41 defensive rebounds, giving up 8 offensive boards. They also added 12 steals and 10 blocks.

• When looking at their past five home matchups, Houston has an ATS record of 2-3 while averaging 105 per game. The team went 3-2 overall in these games.
• Going back to their previous ten games as the favorite, Houston has an ATS mark of 6-4 while going 7-3 straight up.
• In their last three games, the Rockets have an over/under record of 1-2 and are 3-0 vs. the spread.

The Lean

Not only do we have the Rockets winning this one by a score of 146-110, but we see them covering the spread. Our pick is to grab the Rockets at -4.5.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 215 and our model has the Clippers and Rockets finishing with a combined 256 points. Our pick is to take the over.

Daily NBA Picks & Predictions

Alperen Sengun Shines as Rockets Prepare for Balanced Clippers Matchup

When the Houston Rockets needed stability in a tight game against the Washington Wizards, they turned to their rising star in the paint—center Alperen Sengun. His calm presence and efficient scoring down the stretch secured a 107-92 win for the Rockets, their second straight victory. With a high-stakes matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers up next, Sengun’s role as a consistent, inside scorer and stabilizing force will be key for a Houston team looking to maintain momentum.

Alperen Sengun’s Impact on the Rockets’ Offense

Sengun has become a critical asset for the Rockets, providing a unique blend of skill and stability that grounds Houston’s often fast-paced, perimeter-focused offense.

1. Dominance Under Pressure: In Monday’s game against Washington, Sengun took charge when a 16-point Rockets lead shrunk to just six. He delivered clutch baskets on three consecutive possessions, extending the lead and shifting momentum back in Houston’s favor. This performance underscores his ability to be a reliable offensive option, especially in tight fourth-quarter situations.
2. Consistent Scoring and Efficiency: Finishing the game with 27 points and 17 rebounds, Sengun showcased his scoring efficiency by shooting 12-of-19 from the field. This performance reflects a larger trend: in the last five games, he’s averaged 21.2 points on 57.7% shooting, contributing to the Rockets’ winning streak. This combination of scoring and rebounding makes Sengun one of the most efficient and reliable big men in the league right now.
3. A Throwback Big Man with Modern Impact: Sengun brings an “old-school” presence to the Rockets’ offense. His low-post game and ability to dominate inside contrasts with the team’s three-point shooting and fast-break drives. According to Rockets coach Ime Udoka, Sengun provides a “luxury” by giving the team a chance to reset and slow down during high-pressure moments. Having an inside option like Sengun diversifies the Rockets’ offense and can be crucial in matchups where perimeter shots aren’t falling.

Clippers’ Balanced Attack and Key Contributors

While the Clippers enter this matchup with a recent loss to Oklahoma City, their revamped offense shows strong potential. Over the last five games, multiple Clippers players have stepped up, providing a balanced scoring threat that has helped them adapt after major roster changes this season.

1. Diverse and Balanced Scoring Options: The Clippers’ offense has found success in its balance. Norman Powell has led the scoring charge with 26 points per game, followed by James Harden (20.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, and nine assists), Ivica Zubac (16.9 points, 12.8 rebounds), and emerging role players Amir Coffey and Derrick Jones Jr. This spread allows the Clippers to create multiple scoring threats, reducing reliance on any single player and improving their adaptability.
2. Adjusting Without Leonard and George: Without Kawhi Leonard (knee) and after trading Paul George, the Clippers needed time to find an offensive rhythm. Yet, in just 11 games, the team has begun to settle into its new identity under coach Tyronn Lue. Their recent four-game winning streak (before Monday’s loss) indicates that they are adapting well to this new dynamic.
3. Tyronn Lue’s Ball-Movement Philosophy: Clippers coach Tyronn Lue emphasizes teamwork, ball movement, and perimeter shooting as key elements in the team’s strategy. His focus on sharing the ball has fostered a rhythm that makes full use of their roster’s strengths. By generating and converting three-point shots, the Clippers have found a way to maintain high scoring output and spread defenses thin.

Key Matchup Analysis: Rockets’ Inside Game vs. Clippers’ Perimeter Power

The Rockets-Clippers game promises to be a battle of contrasting offensive styles, with each team aiming to exploit the other’s potential weaknesses.

1. Rockets’ Inside Strength with Sengun: For Houston, Sengun’s inside game could pose challenges for the Clippers’ defense. His ability to create points in the paint gives Houston an edge against teams lacking a dominant interior presence. If Sengun continues his efficient scoring, it could draw Clippers defenders in, freeing up Houston’s perimeter shooters for open looks.
2. Clippers’ Outside Threats: On the other hand, the Clippers’ strategy relies on a balanced, perimeter-focused approach. With Powell, Harden, and Zubac contributing both inside and out, the Clippers’ offense is well-rounded. Their emphasis on ball movement and three-point shooting can stretch Houston’s defense, testing the Rockets’ ability to cover multiple shooters.
3. Defensive Adjustments and Pressure Points: For the Rockets, containing the Clippers’ three-point shooting will be essential, while the Clippers must find a way to neutralize Sengun’s impact in the paint. The outcome of this matchup may hinge on which team can more effectively execute its game plan while limiting the other’s strengths.

Final Thoughts: Rockets vs. Clippers – A Clash of Styles

Both the Rockets and Clippers enter this game with recent signs of improvement and unique playing styles. Sengun has provided Houston with a steady post presence, allowing them to slow down and control the tempo, while the Clippers’ team-oriented, perimeter-based offense has improved their scoring balance. For Houston, Sengun’s role in stabilizing the offense will be crucial in maintaining their momentum. The Clippers, meanwhile, are finding their rhythm in Tyronn Lue’s system and will look to outpace the Rockets with ball movement and perimeter shooting.

This game will serve as a test of each team’s recent adjustments and could reveal how effective each approach is as the season progresses. Whether it’s the Rockets’ inside dominance or the Clippers’ perimeter balance that prevails, this matchup will highlight how different offensive philosophies can be used to achieve success in today’s NBA.