Clippers vs. 76ers: Can L.A. and Philadelphia Go over the Total Yet Again?

The Los Angeles Clippers (15-8) and Philadelphia 76ers (18-8) are set to face off Friday night inside the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.

Las Vegas odds-makers have opened up the 76ers as four-point home favorites, while the total has moved up a half-point to 189.5.

Los Angeles is in the middle of a current six-game road trip and comes off a disappointing 99-92 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers as seven-point favorites.

The Clippers have shown the ability to bounce back after suffering a loss, losing back-to-back games just once this season when closing out its December schedule.

Sports bettors shouldn't focus on that particular angle for very long, though, due to the 76ers not tasting defeat in consecutive games through the first 26 games of the 2011-2012 campaign.

Philadelphia currently leads the Atlantic division, and many league experts believe it has a lot to do with an advantageous schedule, as it will play its 18th game inside the Wells Fargo Center.

Former UCLA Bruins point guard Jrue Holiday is a player to watch in matching up with Clippers star Chris Paul, who averaged 22.0 points and 7.0 assists in the two series meetings a year ago.

The Clippers are 1-4 against the spread as road underdogs of 3.5-6.0 points this season, while the 76ers are 7-17 ATS as a home favorite in the same point range over the last two-plus seasons.

Let's hope that these two teams can go "over" the total for the fourth time in five meetings.

Pick: Over 189