Los Angeles Lakers odds picks prediction spread over/under betting line – Page 2

Portland Trail Blazers at Los Angeles Lakers odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Friday’s Portland Trail Blazers at Los Angeles Lakers odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Portland Trail Blazers (13-21) are on the road for one game Friday night to face the Los Angeles Lakers (17-16) New Year’s Eve. Tip-off is 10:30 p.m. ET at Crypto.com Arena. Below, we look at the Trail Blazers vs. Lakers odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

The Blazers have lost three games in a row and only have three wins in their last 16 games. They are 2-12 on the road this season. G Damian Lillard is averaging more than 24 points per game but it is more than four points fewer than he has averaged each of the last two seasons.

The Lakers are opening a five-game homestand. They are coming off a 104-99 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday night. They have only one win in their last eight games.

Also see: Bet Slippin’ Podcast: NBA December 31 breakdown

Trail Blazers at Lakers odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 1:16 p.m. ET.

Money line: Trail Blazers +175 (bet $100 to win $175) | Lakers -220 (bet $220 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Trail Blazers +5.5 (-110) | Lakers -5.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 226.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

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Trail Blazers at Lakers key injuries

Trail Blazers

G Ben McLemore (health and safety protocols) probable
G Dennis Smith Jr. (health and safety protocols) probable
F Nassir Little (ankle) probable
F Robert Covington (health and safety protocols) out
G C.J. McCollum (lung) out
C Jusuf Nurkic (health and safety protocols) out
G Anfernee Simons (health and safety protocols) out
G Brandon Williams (health and safety protocols) out
C Cody Zeller (health and safety protocols) out

Lakers

F LeBron James (abdomen) probable
F Trevor Ariza (return to competition reconditioning) questionable
G Avery Bradley (concussion) questionable
F Anthony Davis (knee) out

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Trail Blazers at Lakers odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Lakers 115, Trail Blazers 105

Money line

Neither team is playing well recently, but the Blazers are just absolutely decimated with players in COVID protocols. They have Lillard but will be without McCollum, Nurkic and Covington, as well as others.

The Blazers have been just awful on the road so TAKE the LAKERS (-220).

Against the spread

The Blazers have covered the spread only four times in their last 15 games. They have covered the spread only once all season when they lost the game.

The Lakers don’t have a ton of wins recently — only one in their last seven contests — but they have covered the spread in five of their last six victories.

Take the LAKERS -5.5 (-110).

Over/Under

Missing as many players as the Blazers are, it will be hard to put up the offensive numbers necessary to keep up with the Lakers. Three of the Lakers’ last four games and four of the last six have gone Over the projected total. But all of the six previous games went Under.

With a high projection for tonight, take UNDER 226.5 (-108).

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Los Angeles Lakers at Memphis Grizzlies odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Wednesday’s Los Angeles Lakers at Memphis Grizzlies and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Los Angeles Lakers (17-18) hook up with the Memphis Grizzlies (21-14) Wednesday for an 8 p.m. ET game at the FedExForum. Below, we look at the Lakers vs. Grizzlies odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

L.A. snapped its five-game losing skid last night (Tuesday) by beating the Houston Rockets 132-123 as 6-point road favorites.

Over the past two weeks, the Lakers are 2-5 straight-up (SU), 2-5 ATS and 4-3 O/U with the 25th-ranked adjusted net rating at minus-9.0 points per 100 possessions (CTG).

Memphis has won back-to-back road games at the Sacramento Kings 127-102 Sunday and at the Phoenix Suns 114-113 Monday.

In the last 14 days, the Grizzlies are 4-3 SU, 4-3 ATS and 4-3 O/U with the eighth-best adjusted net rating at plus-5.3 points per 100 possessions (CTG).

These teams are tied 1-1 in their regular-season series heading into the rubber match but the Grizzlies covered both meetings.

Also see: Bet Slippin’ Podcast: NBA December 29 breakdown

Lakers at Grizzlies odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 4:50 p.m. ET.

Money line: Lakers +190 (bet $100 to win $190) | Grizzlies -240 (bet $240 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Lakers +5.5 (-108) | Grizzlies -5.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 225.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

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Lakers at Grizzlies key injuries

Lakers

PF Anthony Davis (knee) out

Grizzlies

SG Dillon Brooks (health and safety protocols) out
SG De’Anthony Melton (health and safety protocols) out
SG John Konchar (health and safety protocols) out

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Lakers at Grizzlies odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Grizzlies 120, Lakers 109

Money line

PASS because I’m confident enough in Memphis that I’ll just lay the points instead of pay the extra vigorish with the Grizzlies (-240).

Against the spread

GIMME 1.25 units on the GRIZZLIES -5.5 (-112) for a bevy of reasons. First of all, Memphis performs well vs. teams playing the second of a back-to-back.

For instance, the Grizzlies are 5-3 SU vs. teams on zero days rest with the sixth-best adjusted net rating at plus-12.1 points per 100 possessions and the fifth-best ATS margin at plus-5.9 (CTG).

Also, there are a couple of strength-on-weakness edges in Memphis’s favor such as in the ball security and rebounding departments.

In fact, the Grizzlies score the fifth-most points off turnovers per game while the Lakers allow the fifth-most points off of turnovers per game.

Furthermore, Memphis scores the most second-chance points per game whereas L.A. is 21st in second-chance points allowed per game.

Lastly, there’s been a sharp line move in Memphis’s direction since the Grizzlies opened as 5-point favorites but have been steamed up to the current number.

The bottom line is the GRIZZLIES -5.5 (-112) have a variety of ways to beat teams whereas the Lakers +5.5 (-108) really only have LeBron James getting empty stats.

Over/Under

Slight “LEAN” to the OVER 225.5 (-115) for a tiny wager, if at all, because both teams get out in transition, and the Over has been hit by sharp money hence the total being increased from the 226-point opener.

In addition, the Over has cashed in three straight Memphis games, L.A. has gone Over the total in four of the past five games, and the Over is 2-1 in the last three Lakers-Grizzlies games.

That said, a vast majority of the market is betting the Over for this game as well, and I hate following a crowd of people in sports betting.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and, soon, IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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Brooklyn Nets at Los Angeles Lakers odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Brooklyn Nets at Los Angeles Lakers odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Brooklyn Nets (21-9) visit the newly-renamed Crypto.com Arena for a Christmas evening game with the Los Angeles Lakers (16-17) at 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Nets vs. Lakers odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Brooklyn had its four-game winning streak snapped with a 100-93 loss to the Orlando Magic Saturday. The last three Nets’ games have been postponed due to a COVID-19 outbreak within Brooklyn.

The Nets are 4-1 straight-up (SU), 3-2 ATS and 3-2 O/U with the seventh-best non-garbage time net rating over the past two weeks (plus-5.1 points per 100 possessions), according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).

L.A. is on a four-game losing skid including three blowout losses to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns and San Antonio Spurs.

Since Dec. 9, the Lakers are 3-5 SU, 3-5 ATS and 2-6 O/U with the 25th-ranked non-garbage time net rating (minus-5.8 points per 100 possessions), per CTG.

Nets at Lakers odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:19 a.m. ET.

Money line: Nets +102 (bet $100 to win $102) | Lakers -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Nets +1.5 (-108) | Lakers -1.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 224.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

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Nets at Lakers key injuries

Nets

C LaMarcus Aldridge (health and safety protocols) out
G David Duke Jr. (health and safety protocols) out
PF Kevin Durant (health and safety protocols) out
SF Kessler Edwards (health and safety protocols) out
SF Joe Harris (ankle) out
PG Kyrie Irving (health and safety protocols) out
SG Cam Thomas (health and safety protocols) out

Lakers

SF Trevor Ariza (health and safety protocols) out
SF Kent Bazemore (health and safety protocols) out
PG Avery Bradley (health and safety protocols) out
PF Anthony Davis (knee) out
PF LeBron James (abdomen) probable
SG Malik Monk (health and safety protocols) out
SG Austin Reaves (health and safety protocols) out

Nets at Lakers odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Lakers 114, Nets 107

Money line

Brooklyn received good news when it was announced second-year guard James Harden is cleared from the health and safety protocols, but the Nets still have seven players on the COVID-19 list.

Both teams are playing with MASH units, but the LAKERS (-125) have fewer missing pieces. Christmas is the NBA’s largest regular-season stage and we know James will give an inspired performance. He needs 13 points to break Kobe Bryant’s all-time Christmas scoring record.

We have seen the same Harden this season that won an MVP with the Houston Rockets in 2017-18. According to CTG, Harden grades in the 37th percentile of guards in on/off net rating (minus-3.7 points per 100 possessions).

The Nets have been steamed up from +100 underdogs up to the current price despite missing perhaps the best player in the sport in Durant.

Granted, the Lakers are without Davis and several role players, but James and PG Russell Westbrook should be able to make up for those absences in this big prime-time spot.

It appears that the market is reacting to how disappointing L.A. has been to start this season. But with the Nets being the most affected team by COVID-19, the LAKERS (-125) are the right bet.

Against the spread

PASS since Los Angeles -1.5 (-112) doesn’t offer much insurance for our L.A. money line wager. The Nets are 3-11-1 ATS as road underdogs while the Lakers are 5-11 ATS as home favorites.

Over/Under

Slight “LEAN” to the UNDER 224.5 (-107) for a tiny wager if at all because the Lakers have the 25th-ranked offensive rating at home. Plus, the Nets get out in transition less with Harden on the floor and Brooklyn’s offense will flow through Harden with KD and Kyrie out.

However, I’m much more confident in L.A.’s money line than the UNDER 224.5 (-107).

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and, soon, IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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Los Angeles Lakers at Dallas Mavericks odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Wednesday’s Los Angeles Lakers at Dallas Mavericks odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Dallas Mavericks (14-13) host the Los Angeles Lakers (15-13) Wednesday at American Airlines Center. The tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Lakers vs. Mavericks odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions, and bets.

L.A. most recently steamrolled the Orlando Magic 106-94 at home Sunday for its second straight victory.

The Lakers are fifth in non-garbage time efficiency differential (according to CleaningTheGlass.com) with 3-2 straight-up (SU), 3-2 ATS and 1-4 O/U records over the last two weeks.

Dallas has won back-to-back games without All-Star G Luka Doncic versus the Charlotte Hornets Monday and at the Oklahoma City Thunder Sunday. The Mavs are 4-4 SU, 4-4 ATS and 1-7 O/U with the eighth-best efficiency differential over the last two weeks, per CTG.

Lakers at Mavericks odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:20 p.m. ET.

Money line: Lakers -130 (bet $130 to win $100) | Mavericks +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
Against the spread (ATS): Lakers -1.5 (-115) | Mavericks +1.5 (-107)
Over/Under (O/U): 213.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Lakers at Mavericks key injuries

Lakers

C LeBron James (abdomen) probable
PF Anthony Davis (knee) questionable
SF Talen Horton-Tucker (health and safety protocols) out
C Dwight Howard (health and safety protocols) out
SG Malik Monk (health and safety protocols) out

Mavericks

PG Luka Doncic (ankle) out

Lakers at Mavericks odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Lakers 107, Mavericks 100

Money line

BET the LAKERS (-130) because F LeBron James is finding his groove and I think we get a vintage LeBron performance in this national TV game.

LeBron is averaging 27.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 7.6 assists per game with a plus-18 net rating in December.

Not only has LeBron stepped up in December, but so has L.A.’s defense. The Lakers’ non-garbage time defensive rating is sixth this month.

The Mavs have struggled against good defenses this season: Dallas is 2-7 SU with the 24th-best efficiency differential (minus-8.4 points per 100 possessions) and the 20th-best ATS margin (minus-3.8) versus teams in the top-10 of defensive efficiency.

Furthermore, LeBron is 6-1 SU against the Mavericks since joining the Lakers and putting up his usual, Hall-of-Fame-caliber production.

I’m also gambling on F Anthony Davis suiting up this game because it’s a primetime game and the Lakers have several role players on the COVID list.

There’s a lot of issues with L.A.’s roster. However, in a primetime game against another playoff team, with LeBron, AD and G Russell Westbrook ready to play (or at least two of them), I gotta take the LAKERS (-130) to get the W.

Against the spread

PASS since the Lakers -1.5 (-115) isn’t much different than our L.A. money line wager.

Over/Under

Slight “LEAN” to the UNDER 213.5 (-110) for a small wager if at all since L.A. has gone Under the total in four straight games, Dallas has gone Under the total seven consecutive outings and both teams have a top-10 defensive rating in December.

On top of that, roughly two-thirds of the cash wagered is on the Over according to the Yahoo! Sports app.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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Los Angeles Clippers at Los Angeles Lakers odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Friday’s Los Angeles Clippers at Los Angeles Lakers odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Los Angeles Clippers (11-11) square off with arena-mate Los Angeles Lakers (12-11) Friday at the Staples Center. The tip-off is set for 10 p.m. ET, and the Lakers are technically the “home team”. Below, we look at the Clippers vs. Lakers odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions, and bets.

The Clippers have lost four of their last five (0-5 ATS) including three straight games to the Golden State Warriors, New Orleans Pelicans, and Sacramento Kings. All of these were home games. The Clippers are 9-13 ATS and 10-12 O/U with the 13th-best net rating.

The Lakers have won back-to-back games over the Detroit Pistons and Sacramento Kings entering Friday. LeBron James missed L.A.’s last game after being added to the NBA’s COVID list due to a false positive test. The Lakers are 8-15 ATS and 13-9-1 O/U with the 23rd-ranked net rating.

The Clippers have won five of their last seven games against the Lakers including all three regular-season meetings last year and the Clippers are 6-1 ATS over that span.

Also See: Bet Slippin’ Podcast: NBA December 3 breakdown

Clippers 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 2:50 p.m. ET.

Money line: Clippers +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Lakers -130 (bet $100 to win $130)
Against the spread (ATS): Clippers +1.5 (-105) | Lakers -1.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 218.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

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Clippers at Lakers key injuries

Clippers

SF Nicolas Batum (illness) out
SF Kawhi Leonard (knee) out

Lakers

PF Anthony Davis (thumb) questionable
SF LeBron James (health and safety protocols) active
SG Avery Bradley (thumb) questionable

Clippers at Lakers odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Clippers 114, Lakers 109

Money line

GIMME the CLIPPERS (+105) for 1.25 units because, simply put, they are the better team with the best player on the floor.

According to CleaningTheGlass.com, which removes garbage time from its stat tracking, the Clippers are more efficient than the Lakers by 5.1 points per 100 possessions.

Furthermore, the Clippers are 25th in win differential (minus-1.4) while the Lakers are first in win differential (plus-2.8). Essentially, the Clippers have one fewer win than they should and the Lakers have nearly three more wins than their efficiency differential indicates.

Also, according to ShotQuality.com, the Clippers have the eighth-best adjusted shot quality differential whereas the Lakers are 21st in that same metric.

Most importantly, Paul George will be the best player on the floor in the Clippers-Lakers game.

Since PG arrived in L.A., he’s averaging 25.2 points per game vs. the Lakers on 70.2% true shooting (.551/.477/.902) and there’s no one on the Lakeshow that can guard PG. The Clippers have several ball handlers that can create their own shot and the Lakers have perhaps the worst perimeter defense in the NBA.

Lastly, the Lakers were getting 2.5 points on the lookahead line but the market has steamed them up to the current price. In fact, according to the Yahoo! Sports App, 97% of the action at the time of publishing is on the Lakers’ money line.

The CLIPPERS (+105) is my favorite play on the NBA’s Friday slate.

Against the spread

PASS because the Clipshow‘s spread doesn’t offer much insurance for their money line.

However, if money keeps pouring in on the Lakers and the Clippers get 2.5 points at tip-off then I might bet the Clippers plus the points heavier than the money line.

Either way, the Clippers are the right side here.

Over/Under

PASS with a slight “lean” to the Over 218.5 (-112) because both teams play a high-frequency of transition offense and the Clippers struggle in fastbreak defense. That’s my case for the Lakers possibly scoring 110 points.

My case for the Clippers scoring is the Lakers’ inability to stay in front of ball handlers and the Lakers’ defense ranking bottom-5 in second-chance points, fastbreak points, and paint points allowed per game.

That said, a vast majority of the market is hammering the Over and the total has increased from the 217-point opener.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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New Orleans Pelicans at Los Angeles Lakers odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Friday’s New Orleans Pelicans at Los Angeles Lakers NBA betting odds and lines, with basketball picks, tips and predictions.

The New Orleans Pelicans (4-6) stop by Staples Center for a 10 p.m. ET game against the Los Angeles Lakers (10-3) Friday. Below, we analyze the Pelicans-Lakers NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

New Orleans has lost four straight games, three of which were by five or fewer points with the latest being a 111-106 loss Wednesday against the Los Angeles Clippers in this same building.

The main factor in the Pelicans’ loss was Los Angeles making 18 3-pointers compared to just 10 made threes for New Orleans. The Pelicans were very shorthanded as PG Lonzo Ball was sidelined with a knee injury and PF Zion Williamson had to sit in accordance with COVID-19 safety protocols after an inconclusive test.

The Lakers have cruised to a four-game win streak that featured back-to-back double-digit victories at the Houston Rockets, which were James Harden’s final two games in a Rockets uniform. The 2020-21 Lakers have made their bones on the defensive end of the floor thus far, ranking first in defensive rating and third in opponent’s field-goal shooting.

Last year was Lakers PF Anthony Davis’ first in Los Angeles after playing the first seven years of his career for the Pelicans. Los Angeles was 4-0 last season vs. New Orleans (2-1-1 against the spread) and AD averaged 36 points and 12 rebounds in his three games against his former team.

Pelicans at Lakers: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:20 p.m. ET.

Money line: Pelicans +375 (bet $100 to win $375) | Lakers -500 (bet $500 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Pelicans +10.5 (-115) | Lakers -10.5 (-105)
Over/Under: 219.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Pelicans at Lakers: Key Injuries

Pelicans

PG Eric Bledsoe (eye) questionable
PG Lonzo Ball (knee) out

Lakers

PF Anthony Davis (back) questionable
SG LeBron James (ankle) questionable
SG Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (ankle) probable
SG Wesley Matthews (Achilles) questionable

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Pelicans at Lakers: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Lakers 121, Pelicans 103

Money line (ML)

PASS ON THE MONEY LINE because it’s too expensive to bet the Lakers only to win.

It’s a nationally televised game and LeBron looks locked in already this season and is honing in on GOAT-like achievements and successful title defenses. I like the Lakers to beat the brakes off of the Pelicans Friday and the only real question is by how much.

Against the spread (ATS)

The major pro in taking the Pelicans plus the points here is their ability to backdoor cover. In Wednesday’s game against the Clippers, New Orleans outscored Los Angeles 63-50 in the second half to sneak in the backdoor and cover. Second-year Pelicans PG Nickeil Alexander-Walker had a career-high 37 points while filling in for the injured Ball.

The market movement is what confirms LAKERS -10.5 (-105) for 1 unit as a bet for me. According to Pregame.com, close to 70% of the money is coming in on the Pelicans yet the line has moved up from Lakers laying 8.5 on the opener. That tells me the House wants you to take New Orleans plus the points.

Go in the opposite direction and TAKE LAKERS -10.5 (-105).

Over/Under (O/U)

I only lean OVER 219.5 (-115) for a quarter-unit because the market is hammering the Over and it seems too obvious to bet Over.

LeBron on national TV, plus AD vs. his old team, plus Pelicans SF Brandon Ingram balling out to start the year, plus Zion returning to the lineup equals an Over for me.

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Also see:

Lonzo Ball remains out with bilateral knee tendinopathy (Lonzo Wire)
Opponents have had a tough time shooting over LeBron James this season (LeBron Wire)

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Los Angeles Lakers at Houston Rockets odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Tuesday’s Los Angeles Lakers at Houston Rockets NBA betting odds and lines, with basketball picks, tips and predictions.

The Los Angeles Lakers (8-3) wrap up a two-game miniseries with the Houston Rockets (3-5) Tuesday at the Toyota Center in an 8 p.m. ET tip-off. Below, we analyze the Lakers-Rockets NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Los Angeles dismantled Houston Sunday 120-102 as a 4-point road favorite. The Lakers shot better from everywhere on the floor, outrebounded the Rockets 60-51, threw more assists, had more points in the paint and held a 27-point lead at one time.

Houston’s typically strong backcourt comprised of former All-Star PG John Wall, former MVP James Harden and former Sixth Man of the Year SG Eric Gordon all struggled vs. the Lakers:

Wall had 14 points on 5-for-14 shooting, Harden only had 20 points and missed six of eight 3’s and, Gordon only scored four points off the bench but is averaging 19.5 points per game.

The Lakers have beaten the Rockets in five straight (covering all five) dating back to last season’s 4-1 Los Angeles’ series victory over Houston the Western Conference Semifinals.

Lakers at Rockets: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 3 p.m. ET.

Money line: Lakers -190 (bet $190 to win $100) | Rockets +155 (bet $100 to win $155)
Against the spread/ATS: Lakers -4.5 (-110) | Rockets +4.5 (-110)
Over/Under: 222.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Lakers at Rockets: Key Injuries

Lakers

SG Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (ankle) probable
PF Anthony Davis (hip) questionable
SF LeBron James (ankle) questionable
SG Wesley Matthews (Achilles) out

Rockets

SG Eric Gordon (lower leg) questionable
SF Danuel House Jr. (health and safety protocols) out
PG John Wall (head) questionable

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Lakers at Rockets: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Lakers 119, Rockets 108

Money line (ML)

PASS ON THE MONEY LINE because the Lakers (-190) are the right side but too pricey for an NBA regular-season side. However, monitor the injury report and Lakers beat writers because if LeBron or AD take a rest day, there could be value on the Rockets plus-money.

Against the spread (ATS)

Based on what we know now, TAKE the LAKERS -4.5 (-110). I’d like to fade the sharps in this spot who are presumably backing the Rockets to even this second game of the two-game series.

According to Pregame.com, more money is on Houston while more bets have been placed on Los Angeles. Typically, the money column is considered the sharp side and the tickets/bets column is the average joe. To me, this is too robotic of a bet and it’s sharps overthinking it.

The theory is simple: There’s inherent value in the talented underdog who just looked bad vs. the same opponent because the public is on the favorite. But, I think the Lakers enjoy whooping up on the Rockets and if their superstars are active, they’ll just hammer Houston again.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Under has cashed in four straight Lakers-Rockets meetings and eight of the last 10. But, the last two games have gone Under by 1.5 and 2.5 points and, my feeling is that the Rockets have a little more offensive success this time around. Not enough for them to win but enough to put a quarter-unit on OVER 222.5 (-110).

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Also see:

James happy to have Caldwell-Pope back (LeBron Wire)
Wood praises Houston’s team chemistry (Rockets Wire)

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Los Angeles Lakers at Houston Rockets odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Sunday’s Los Angeles Lakers at Houston Rockets NBA betting odds and lines, with basketball picks, tips and predictions.

The Los Angeles Lakers (7-3) visit the Houston Rockets (3-4) Sunday at the Toyota Center for a 7 p.m. ET tip-off. Below, we analyze the Lakers-Rockets NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Los Angeles has won four of its last five games including a 117-115 nail-biter as an 8.5-point favorite vs. the Chicago Bulls Friday. The Lakers got crushed on the inside with All-Star PF Anthony Davis out of the lineup, being outscored by the Bulls in the paint 62-42.

The Rockets pasted the Orlando Magic 132-90 in Houston Friday. This was the best version of Houston we’ve seen since the start of the regular season. The Rockets’ 139 points were the most they scored all season and Houston was up as many as 42 points. It was a total team effort with six Rockets players scoring double figures and all 13 of the Rockets that played scoring.

The last time these teams met was in the Orlando Bubble for the Western Conference Semifinals where the Lakers eliminated the Rockets 4-1. However, the Rockets won last season’s regular-season series 2-1 (2-1 against the spread) and have beaten the Lakers in 7 of their last 9 meetings at home.

Lakers at Rockets: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:47 a.m. ET.

Money line: Lakers -145 (bet $145 to win $100) | Rockets +120 (bet $100 to win $120)
Against the spread/ATS: Lakers -2.5 (-115) | Rockets +2.5 (-105)
Over/Under: 222.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Lakers at Rockets: Key Injuries

Lakers

SG Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (ankle) questionable
PF Anthony Davis (hip) questionable
SF LeBron James (ankle) questionable

Rockets

SG Ben McLemore (ankle) questionable
SF Danuel House (back) out

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Lakers at Rockets: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Rockets 117, Lakers 109

Money line (ML)

I’m on the ROCKETS (+120) for a half-unit with the plan of betting Houston plus the points heavier. There’s an old sports betting adage hungry dogs run faster and that’s what I think we have here.

The Rockets should be more amped up for this game and both of the Lakers’ superstars are listed on the injury report as questionable. The Lakers gave AD the night off against the Bulls and maybe they give James the night off Sunday because what do they have to prove?

Houston could beat them by 80 and the Lakers will still be the favorite to win the Finals.

Against the spread (ATS)

Obviously, if I’m on Houston’s money line, I am insuring it by BETTING ROCKETS +2.5 (-105) for 1.5 units. While Los Angeles has won five of its last six, those wins aren’t all that impressive.

The Lakers played the Spurs three times, Memphis without Ja Morant twice and eked by a Bulls team at home. Maybe I am reading too much into Houston’s last performance but, there’s a lot of talent on that team and I think the Rockets round the corner and start rising in Western Conference standings.

Lastly, the Rockets go deep at guard and I am not sold on the Lakers’ perimeter defense with Rajon Rondo no longer there and Caldwell-Pope and PG Alex Caruso playing with injuries.

Over/Under (O/U)

PASS ON THE TOTAL. I lean OVER 222.5 (-110) but don’t have much of a feel for it.

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Also see:

James praises Bulls rookie Williams for ‘Kawhi-like’ hands (LeBron Wire)
Harden on Rockets: ‘We have a chance to do something special’ (Rockets Wire)

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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