Bulls, Clippers Host Christmas Night Games On ESPN

Houston Rockets at Chicago Bulls
NBA Betting Preview
Date: 12/25/2012 at 8:00 p.m. (ET)
Opening Lines: Chicago -4, O/U 198
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Television: ESPN

Houston Rockets: Houston (14-12 straight-up, 13-12-1 against the spread) has won and covered its last three games with the offense scoring a huge 118.3 points per game. James Harden (25.6 ppg) is now up to fourth in the league in scoring while the team is No. 1 (105.4 ppg). However, the Rockets have struggled overall on the road this year, going 3-7 SU and 3-6-1 ATS.

Chicago Bulls: The Bulls (15-11 SU, 10-16 ATS) return home after a short two-game road trip. They upset the Knicks 110-106 on Friday before losing 92-75 at Atlanta on Saturday. The team's record at home is just 3-11 ATS (8-6 SU) this season after winning (100-89) and covering versus Boston last Tuesday. The "under" is 11-3 in games at the United Center this year. The Rockets won the first meeting between the teams 93-89 on Nov. 21 as 1-point home favorites. They are 7-2 ATS in the last nine in the Windy City.

Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Clippers
NBA Betting Preview
Date: 12/25/2012 at 10:30 p.m. (ET)
Opening Lines: LA -7, O/U 201
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Television: ESPN

Denver Nuggets: The Nuggets (15-13 SU, 17-11 ATS) are coming off a 110-88 Saturday win over Charlotte as huge 15½-point favorites. They’re now 5-2 SU and 6-1 ATS in their last seven overall. Seven players scored in double digits last game, and this is a very balanced offensive attack that is averaging 102 ppg (ranked seventh).

Los Angeles Clippers: The Clippers (21-6 SU, 17-10 ATS) are the hottest team in basketball with a 13-game winning streak (9-4 ATS). Defense has been a primary reason with the "under" 4-0 in the last four (allowing 78.8 ppg) and 7-1 in the last eight overall. This is the first meeting between the Nuggets and Clippers this season. The road team is 4-0 ATS in the last four, and the "under" is 13-3 in the last 16 matchups in Los Angeles.

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