Los Angeles at Houston

The Clippers begin a three-game road trip when they tip off against the Houston Rockets on Monday night. Oddsmakers don't give the Rockets much of a chance in this one , installing them as 4-point home underdogs. Bettors give them less respect as they've pushed it up to 5.5 already. The Rockets have taken two of three meetings with the Clippers this season and are 9-1 the last 10 meetings in the series overall. That should serve as a motivating factor for the Clippers, right? Wrong. I see it different tonight. I know the Rockets have lost four straight games with the last three losses all coming by double-digits and they are now a dismal 2-17 without McGrady in the lineup. But, that's why we get line value here. And let's not forget about the inside presence of the big 7-footer in the middle for HOuston. Los Angeles will have no answer for him tonight. Take the generous points and back Houston for two stars.