The Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets continue their best-of-seven Western Conference Semifinals series Tuesday with Game 3 in the bubble outside of Orlando, Fla., with a 9 p.m. ET tip-off (on TNT). We analyze the Lakers-Rockets NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.
Lakers at Rockets: Key injuries
Lakers
- PF Anthony Davis (finger) probable
- SF LeBron James (groin) probable
- C JaVale McGee (ankle) questionable
- SF Dion Waiters (groin) doubtful
Rockets
- PF Luc Mbah a Moute (knee) out
- SF David Nwaba (Achilles) out
- SF Thabo Sefolosha (personal) out
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Lakers vs. Rockets: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips
NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Tuesday at 7:10 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Lakers 115, Rockets 104
Moneyline (ML)
The Lakers (-223) are heavily favored to win this one and take their first series lead against the Rockets (+180). L.A. has its two biggest guns on the injury report, but you can expect LeBron and A.D. to power through their minor injuries and lead the Lake Show to the victory and cover. Still, you cannot risk more than two times your potential return. AVOID, and look to the spread instead.
New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Lakers returns a profit of just $4.50 if they win. A $10 bet on the Rockets returns a profit of $18 with a win.
Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
The LAKERS -5 (-110) returned in Game 2 with a vengeance after being dumped in the series opener. While L.A. is 5-11 ATS in their past 16 games overall, and that’s a bit concerning, they are 4-0 ATS in their past four when working on a day of rest. As long as LeBron and/or Davis do not have some sort of setback with their injury, this one will go in favor of the purple and gold, and it might be a double-digit win, too.
Over/Under (O/U)
UNDER 223.5 (-110) had connected in four straight for Houston before the over in Game 2. And the game barely went over the total, hitting by just three points. The defense of the Rockets had been on point during the four-game run, allowing an average of just 95.8 points, but the Lakers dropped 117 on them in the loss. The Lakers have scored 111 or more points in five of the past six, and the over has hit in three of the past four.
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