LA Clippers @ Houston -6
Courtesy of Tony George Sports
The Rockets are laying a big number in terms of second round NBA Playoff action, almost 7 points, to the Clippers who downed San Antonio Saturday Night in a thriller. The BIG 8000 pound elephant in the room is whether all world shot maker and team leader Chris Paul is going to play tonight for the Clippers with a bad hamstring he pulled slightly in the Saturday game against the Spurs, where he returned from the Locker Room and won the game with a last second shot.
The line reflects he will not play because I have this series at a deal pickem, and this game as Houston -3 on my power ratings. It should be noted this deep into the playoffs with 2 teams that can flat out put points on the board, that 6 to 7 points a huge number by Las Vegas odds terminology. I have tapped sources and researched this to death on the Chris Paul injury and all signs point to him NOT playing tonight, but again the Clippers are very vague on his status till game time which is a smart move on their part. Personally if I was a coach, I would rest him and get treatment for the stretch run and not risk a permanent injury that would remove him from the lineup but my opinion matters none.
Houston dismantled Dallas in their first series and are better rested than LA who is off a huge emotional game against the might Spurs Saturday and with their star injured, all signs point to a Houston win here. You have to ask yourself if Chris Paul does play, how effective will he be with a hamstring injury. His first move off the dribble he not as quick or effective with a hamstring pull, and it hampers his ability to do his thing if he not 100%, let alone guarding on defense he can easily be burnt.
All things considered Houston’s last 5 homes games were won by 9.12,10. 26 (Utah) and 7 (New Orleans). You should see a ton of scoring in this series as neither team plays defense and Houston is allowing 110 ppg their last 5 games while scoring 114 ppg, and conversely the Clippers offense put up 101 ppg while allowing 104 in their last 5 games. I think regardless of Chris Paul’s condition, the grueling games the Clippers played against the Spurs will hamper them tonight, compounded with their star at not near 100%, and the fatigue factor, against Houston on the road who is better rested, is going to be a sizable win for Houston, by double digits.
FREE Pro Pick on the Rockets tonight -6
I have the Side Play Winner in the Early Game tonight - Plus a Bulk Dollars Promo this week. Over 60% ATS in Round 1, and looking for more in Round 2.