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Houston (17-9) at LA Clippers (7-21)
- When: Dec 23 2025, 10:30 PM
- Where: Intuit Dome, Inglewood, CA, USA
- TV: NBC/Peacock
Houston vs LA Clippers Preview & Prediction
Spread: Houston -8.0
Moneyline: Houston (-300)
Total: 218.5
Houston Rockets Betting Breakdown
Houston comes into this matchup in a tricky spot. The Rockets are favored by 8.0 at home, but recent performances suggest some cracks beneath the surface. They have dropped four of their last six games and are coming off a painful overtime loss where they let a comfortable fourth quarter lead slip away.
Despite the inconsistency, Houston’s ceiling remains high. Alperen Sengun continues to be the offensive hub, scoring efficiently inside while facilitating from the post. When the Rockets are disciplined, their offense flows through him with purpose, creating quality looks both at the rim and on kick outs.
The Rockets have shown flashes of dominance when they push tempo and stay aggressive, but lapses in focus have cost them late. That has been a recurring theme, especially when playing teams they are expected to beat. Houston will look to reassert control early and avoid another down to the wire finish.
Defensively, the Rockets still bring length and physicality, which should matter against a Clippers team missing key interior presence.
Player Prop Pick Rockets: Alperen Sengun over 22.5 points – With Los Angeles thin up front, Sengun should see favorable matchups and steady usage.
Los Angeles Clippers Betting Breakdown
The Clippers finally exhaled over the weekend. After weeks of frustration, they put together a complete effort and snapped a long losing streak with an impressive win over their cross town rivals. The energy was noticeable, and the stars delivered when needed.
Kawhi Leonard looked fully engaged, attacking mismatches and controlling the game with calm efficiency. James Harden complemented him by running the offense and creating opportunities for others. When the Clippers play with this level of structure, they are far more competitive than their record suggests.
However, injuries remain a concern. The loss of their starting center changes how the Clippers must defend and rebound, especially against a physical Houston frontcourt. That absence forces more responsibility onto the forwards and limits margin for error.
The Clippers have struggled to string together wins all season, making this a test of whether their last performance was a turning point or just a brief surge.
Player Prop Pick Clippers: Kawhi Leonard over 24.5 points – Leonard remains the primary scoring option and should carry the offensive load again.
NBA Final Score & Expert Prediction
Houston is laying 8.0 points with the total set at 218.5. The Rockets have the depth and interior edge, but their recent habit of letting teams hang around makes covering a larger number uncomfortable.
Los Angeles should stay competitive early behind star power, but Houston’s size and home court advantage should wear them down as the game progresses.
Final Score: Rockets 112, Clippers 102
Lean: Houston -8.0
Total: Under 218.5
- NBA Basketball Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
