The Houston Rockets (1-4) will take on the Los Angeles Lakers (3-3) for the first of two consecutive contests between the two teams in L.A. Their first of two is Sunday night, with a 10:30 p.m. ET top time at Staples Center. Below, we look at the Rockets vs. Lakers odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The Rockets have lost their last three games, all by at least 10 points. Four players are averaging double-digits in scoring, led by F Christian Wood at 19.8 points per game and 11.2 rebounds. As a team, they are only shooting 42.6% from the field.
The Lakers, after losing their first two games of the season, have picked up wins in three of their last four. They opened their four-game homestand with a 113-101 defeat of the Cleveland Cavaliers. They are 2-2 so far this season at home.
Rockets at Lakers odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:42 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Rockets +520 (bet $100 to win $520) | Lakers -800 (bet $800 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Rockets +11.5 (-115) | Lakers -11.5 (-107)
- Over/Under (O/U): 221.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
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Rockets at Lakers key injuries
Rockets
- F Danuel House (ankle) out
- G Kevin Porter Jr. (ankle) questionable
Lakers
- F Anthony Davis (knee) probable
- G Wayne Ellington (hamstring) questionable
- F LeBron James (ankle) questionable
- G Kendrick Nunn (knee) out
Rockets at Lakers odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Lakers 118, Rockets 102
Money line
PASS on the money line. The Lakers have worked out their early-season struggles should not be subject to upsets to teams like the Rockets.
Houston has not won a game on the road yet this season and has lost three games in a row by double digits. Unless you think they can pull the upset, don’t waste your money on the money line. Go to the spread and/or total.
Against the spread
The Rockets are 2-3 ATS to start the season and the Lakers are 2-4 ATS, although they covered the spread in two of their last three games.
The only loss the Rockets covered the spread in was a 10-point loss when they were 11-point underdogs to the Dallas Mavericks on Oct. 26.
Take the LAKERS -11.5 (-107).
Over/Under
Not a single game this season for the Rockets has gone Over the projected total. Four of the Lakers’ six games have hit the Over.
The Lakers will get them close with their scoring, but the Rockets will barely clear 100 for the game.
Take UNDER 221.5 (-112).
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