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Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Clippers Picks and Predictions – December 23
The Los Angeles Clippers (7-21) return to action Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena after a much-needed 103-88 win over the Lakers. With Kawhi Leonard and James Harden finally clicking, they’ll try to build momentum against a Houston Rockets (15-13) team that just blew a 14-point lead in a 125-124 OT loss to Sacramento.
This is the second meeting between the two clubs this month. Houston edged L.A. 115-113 on December 11, with Ivica Zubac going off for 33 points — but he’s now sidelined with a sprained ankle. The Rockets are 1-4 in overtime games this season and just 4-10 on the road. The Clippers will look to capitalize on that with a tightened rotation and renewed urgency.
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Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Clippers Odds
These are the current odds. Always track the latest NBA odds for movement closer to tip.
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston Rockets | +145 | +4.5 (-110) | O 223.5 (-110) |
| LA Clippers | -170 | -4.5 (-110) | U 223.5 (-110) |
Houston Rockets Betting Form
The Houston Rockets nearly stole a win in Sacramento but couldn’t hold a 14-point fourth-quarter lead. Alperen Sengun dropped 28 points, and Kevin Durant added 24 and 10, but execution collapsed down the stretch. It’s a theme that continues to plague Ime Udoka’s squad — they’re now 1-4 in OT and lack consistent shot-making late.
Still, this team is loaded with energy. Tari Eason made a big return off the bench and gives them more versatility. The Rockets rank top 10 in opponent field-goal percentage, but their offense is middling and lacks late-game clarity. Motivation also seems to vary by opponent — Udoka even called that out postgame.
Houston’s defense gives them a shot to cover, but on the road, they’ve failed to bring the same edge. Check the Houston Rockets injury report to confirm Eason’s minutes and Sengun’s status.
Los Angeles Clippers Betting Form
The Los Angeles Clippers may have finally flipped the switch. Their 103-88 win over the Lakers was their best defensive effort of the season, holding L.A. to just 36 second-half points. Kawhi Leonard poured in 32 points, and James Harden added 21 with 10 assists, snapping both a five-game losing streak and an eight-game home skid.
Ty Lue’s team still has a long way to go, but the intent was finally there. They led by as many as 22 points and showed actual offensive structure — something that’s been missing all year. The loss of Ivica Zubac (ankle) hurts, but John Collins looked solid stepping up with a 17-12 line against the Lakers.
Without Zubac, the Clippers lose rim protection and size inside, which matters against Sengun. Still, if Harden continues to orchestrate with confidence and Leonard stays aggressive, this team can cover at home. Watch the LA Clippers injury report closely for additional rotation news.
Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Clippers Matchup Breakdown
The first meeting between these teams came down to the wire, and this one may again. Houston has the edge in paint scoring and rebounding, but the Clippers now have rhythm offensively — and the home edge.
Matchup edges to consider:
- Rockets are bottom 5 in FT rate allowed — Harden could live at the line
- Clippers allow the 3rd-most second-chance points in the league
- Houston’s bench is deeper, but the Clippers’ starters are more efficient
- LA ranks top 10 in turnover percentage since December 1
Interested in leveraging matchup swings like these? Study our NBA betting guide or review tips on how to bet on NBA games for insight into pace and shot profiles.
Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Clippers Predictions and Best Bets
The Clippers look better — full stop. With Harden orchestrating and Leonard taking control, their offense is less stagnant, and the urgency is rising. Even without Zubac, they have the firepower to handle a Houston team that still plays erratically on the road.
Houston has the tools to hang around, but they’ve let too many late leads slip away. If the Clippers get out to a fast start again, this could turn into a quiet double-digit win. I lean Clippers to cover, but also like the Over if the pace picks up with more small-ball minutes.
Looking to reduce risk? Consider a teaser bet or an alternate spread if you think L.A. pulls away late.
Best Bet: LA Clippers -4.5 (-110).
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