Los Angeles Clippers vs. Houston Rockets Prop Pick: Will Ivica Zubac Go Off Against Rockets?

Rockets’ Defense Ranks 29th Against Centers

With the Los Angeles Clippers listed as 8-point home favorites over the Houston Rockets, there’s an intriguing player prop bet worth considering. Will Clippers center Ivica Zubac score 20 or more points against a Houston defense that ranks 29th in efficiency against opposing centers? Entering Friday’s action, the Rockets have allowed opposing centers to shoot 57.3% from the field, the fourth-highest mark in the NBA. They also rank 25th in rebounding percentage allowed to opposing centers.

Rockets Allow Highest FG% In Paint

Houston’s defense has been particularly porous in the paint, allowing opponents to shoot 62.6% from inside the restricted area, the highest mark in the league. Zubac has attempted 64.3% of his shots from inside the restricted area this season, the third-highest rate among all NBA players. If Zubac can get good positioning and establish deep post position, he should have plenty of opportunities to score against a Houston defense that has struggled to defend the paint all season.

Zubac Can Take Advantage Of Mismatch

With Rockets’ starting center Alperen Sengun questionable to play with an ankle injury, Zubac could have a significant mismatch to exploit. Even if Sengun plays, he has struggled defensively this season, allowing opponents to shoot 60.0% from the field, the third-highest mark among all NBA centers. Zubac is averaging 12.6 points per game this season, but he has scored at least 20 points in four of his last six games. He has also been effective against the Rockets this season, averaging 16.5 points and 11.5 rebounds in two games. With the Rockets’ defense struggling against opposing centers, Zubac is a strong candidate to go off for 20 or more points on Friday night.