Play on Game #716 Houston Rockets -7 (9:35 PM EST)
I like the Rockets to bounce back tonight and pull away with a double digit victory. Houston played terrible the other night, they couldn't have played much worse. The Rockets had 24 turnovers and the Clippers scored 34 points off the turnovers. And the Clippers did so without their best player on the court in Chris Paul. It was embarrassing to watch and I have to think with them playing at home and in a MUST WIN scenario, they regroup and play with a more inspired effort. The Rockets will show tonight that they belong in this series, and they will do so with Chris Paul's status in doubt again for this game. It's said there is a 50/50 chance Paul will play. Personally, since the Clippers stole the 1st game, I think they will sit Paul in this game and be safe until they get back home for game 3. The line is at -7 which is without Paul. If Paul plays, then the line will go down to -3 or -3.5. Regardless, I like the Rockets to win and cover this game.
The Rockets have been good in the past bouncing back off losses as they are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following a double -digit loss at home and are 24-6 ATS in their last 30 games following an ATS loss, and are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games following a SU loss of more than 10 points. The Clippers are 2-6-1 ATS in their last 9 games following a SU win. The Rockets won ALL 3 home games vs. Dallas in the 1st round by 9,10, and 12 points.
The Clippers scored 71 points in the 2nd half in Game 1. That will not happen tonight. Look for the Rockets to be the much more inspired team. I look for Harden to have a big game and for him to get Jones and Smith more involved. Rockets by 13.
I'm now 19-8 ATS in the NBA the L30 days (12-5 ATS 70.5% NBA PLAYOFFS)