NBA Odds: Paul, Rockets Visit Tough Clippers Team

The Los Angeles Clippers (31-27 SU, 33-24-1 ATS) look different today than last year. They don’t have Chris Paul or Blake Griffin anymore, but the Clippers are 6-3 SU and ATS since trading Griffin to Detroit, and they’ll be reunited with Paul this Wednesday when they host his new team, the Houston Rockets (46-13 SU, 30-28-1 ATS). Tip-off is at 10:30 PM ET on ESPN.

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Los Angeles isn’t quite as potent without Paul manning the point, but the seven players they received from Houston in their offseason trade have helped the Clippers stay balanced and competitive in the Western Conference. The Rockets, meanwhile, are first in the league standings after 12 straight wins at 7-5 ATS, and they’ve addressed their depth concerns by adding veterans Joe Johnson and Brandan Wright after their contracts were bought out.

Health could be a problem for the Clippers going into Wednesday’s game. Oft-injured forward Danilo Gallinari is on the shelf again with a right hand contusion, although he could be back in action any day. SG Avery Bradley, who came over from the Pistons in the Griffin trade, is out until March with a lingering groin issue.

NBA Odds: Clippers Prepare for Paul, Rockets

Chris Paul will make his return to Staples Center this Wednesday (10:30 PM ET, ESPN) as a member of the Houston Rockets. Paul will face his former employers, the Los Angeles Clippers, who are 6-3 SU and ATS since trading Blake Griffin to Detroit before the deadline.

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While the Clippers have surprised the NBA betting market with their competitiveness, Houston has taken over first place in the league standings at 46-13 after winning 12 straight games at 7-5 ATS. Paul has played a big role in Houston’s success, although it’s a supporting role alongside leading MVP candidate James Harden.