The Los Angeles Lakers (34-35) and Houston Rockets (16-52) meet Wednesday at Toyota Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Lakers vs. Rockets odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
The Lakers covered the spread as 2-point underdogs Tuesday in a 123-108 win at the New Orleans Pelicans. F Anthony Davis finished with 35 points and 17 rebounds, both game-highs, but will be held out on the 2nd night of the back-to-back Wednesday.
The Rockets covered as 13-point home underdogs Monday in a 111-109 win vs. the Boston Celtics. G Jalen Green scored a team-high 28 points for the Rockets, who are 4-1-1 against the spread in their last 6 games.
This is the 2nd meeting this season between these teams. Los Angeles covered as a 7.5-point home favorite 140-132 as the Over (237.5) cashed Jan. 16.
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Lakers at Rockets odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:30 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Lakers -155 (bet $155 to win $100) | Rockets +135 (bet $100 to win $135)
- Against the spread (ATS): Lakers -3.5 (-102) | Rockets +3.5 (-118)
- Over/Under (O/U): 231.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
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Lakers at Rockets key injuries
Lakers
- Not yet submitted
Rockets
- C Alperen Şengün (groin) questionable
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Lakers at Rockets picks and predictions
Prediction
Rockets 112, Lakers 111
Moneyline
Sprinkle on ROCKETS (+135).
The Lakers are a sub-.500 team (2-4 straight up) when Davis and F LeBron James are out of the lineup and they may be due for a letdown after a must-have win at the Pelicans. While the Rockets have the worst record in the Western Conference, Houston has won 2 of its last 4 home games and even beat the Celtics straight up as a 13-point underdog last time out.
Against the spread
BET ROCKETS +3.5 (-115).
The Rockets are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games vs. teams with a losing record and the Lakers may struggle to put up points on the 2nd night of a back-to-back without their 2 leading scorers in Davis (rest) and James (foot). Houston appears to be trending upward and should be able to keep it close vs. a shorthanded Lakers squad on no rest.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 231.5 (-115).
The Under is 4-0 in Los Angeles’ last 4 games vs. teams with a losing record and 5-1-1 in the Lakers’ last 7 after covering the spread in their previous contest.
These teams tend to play low-scoring games vs. each other in Houston, with the Under hitting in 5 of the last 7 meetings, and the Lakers should struggle on offense Wednesday without their 2 leading scorers.
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