NBA Picks: Los Angeles Clippers vs. Houston Rockets

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Houston Rockets
Saturday, 3/29/14, 8:00 PM EST
Opening Point Spread: Houston -3
Current Betting Line: Houston -2
Opening Total: 215
Current Total: 215
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

The Los Angeles Clippers are dangerous road underdogs Saturday

Los Angeles picked up a 109-103 victory over the Dallas Mavericks as one-point road underdogs Thursday, while going OVER the betting total for the first time in eight affairs. The Clippers have four of five probable starters averaging double figures, with forward Blake Griffin leading the way—scoring 20-plus points in 30 consecutive games. He’s eight points away from being No. 7 on the franchise’s all-time scoring list. The team has compiled a 20-17 SU record away from the Staples Center, including a 12-10 mark versus Western Conference foes. Los Angeles is 4-1 SUATS as road underdogs of three or fewer points this season.

The Clippers are averaging 18.6 fast-break points per game, which ranks second in the league in that important offensive category. Los Angeles has won 27 of 30 games when scoring at least 20 points in transition—something to consider when making your NBA betting picks Saturday night. Point guard Chris Paul is a big reason for the team’s great productivity on the offensive end, as he’s tallied 36 double-doubles in 54 games played.

Houston has put together a five-game winning streak, including a 120-98 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers as 19.5-point home favorites Thursday, while going OVER the betting total for the sixth time in seven opportunities. The Rockets have all five probable starters averaging double figures, with shooting guard James Harden leading the way at 24.9 points a contest, which can’t be ignored when looking over the pro basketball odds page. Houston is 2-2 SUATS as home favorites of three or fewer points, with the UNDER going 3-1 in that situation.

The Rockets have put together a solid 29-7 SU record at the Toyota Center, including a 14-7 mark versus conference foes. Houston ranks third in both scoring and shooting percentage on the offensive end—winning each of the last 16 games when knocking down 50 percent or better of its field goal attempts in a contest.