Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets odds predictions pick betting line spread

Los Angeles Lakers at Houston Rockets odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Los Angeles Lakers at Houston Rockets odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Los Angeles Lakers (39-38) and Houston Rockets (19-59) meet Sunday at Toyota Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze BetMGM 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 favorites Friday with a 123-111 win at the Minnesota Timberwolves. C Anthony Davis put up 17 of his 38 points in the 4th quarter as Los Angeles leapfrogged Minnesota in the Western Conference standings.

The Rockets pushed as 6-point home favorites Friday with a 121-115 win vs. the Detroit Pistons. G Kevin Porter Jr. scored 33 points as Houston snapped its 7-game losing streak.

This season’s series is tied 1-1 straight up, against the spread (ATS) and Over/Under. Houston covered as a 2.5-point home underdog in a 114-110 win as the Under (233.5) cashed in the most recent meeting March 15.

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Lakers at Rockets odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:38 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Lakers -650 (bet $650 to win $100) | Rockets +475 (bet $100 to win $475)
Against the spread (ATS): Lakers -11.5 (-110) | Rockets +11.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 236.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Lakers at Rockets key injuries

Lakers

C Anthony Davis (foot) probable
F LeBron James (foot) questionable

Rockets

F Jae’Sean Tate (knee) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

Lakers at Rockets picks and predictions

Prediction

Lakers 123, Rockets 104

Moneyline

PASS.

Los Angeles (-650) is playing some of its best basketball of the season and should easily beat Houston, but there is no need to pay the higher price on the moneyline when the Lakers should win by margin. Bet the spread and/or total instead.

Against the spread

BET LAKERS -11.5 (-110).

Los Angeles was an underdog to make the playoffs at one point this season, but now sits 8th in the Western Conference after winning 5 of its last 6 games. The Lakers have covered as a favorite in 4 of their last 5 and should be motivated to run up the score after losing to Houston in their last meeting.

The Rockets are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 home games and will struggle to keep it close vs. this Lakers team that is just 1 game behind the Clippers for the 6th seed in the West.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 236.5 (-110).

The Lakers are a veteran team and the Under is 16-6-1 in their last 23 games after 1 day of rest.

The Under has hit in 5 of Houston’s last 6 home games and the Rockets should have a much harder time scoring vs. the Lakers this time around after upsetting Los Angeles in their last head-to-head meeting.

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Los Angeles Lakers at Houston Rockets odds, picks and predictions

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

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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Los Angeles Lakers at Houston Rockets odds, picks and predictions

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

The Los Angeles Lakers (28-36) visit the Toyota Center Wednesday to take on the Houston Rockets (16-49). Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Lakers vs. Rockets odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

The Lakers enter the game after a loss in San Antonio, failing to cover as 6.5-point road underdogs. F LeBron James was out with a knee injury and is again questionable.

The Lakers are 28-36 on the season and 27-36-1 against the spread (ATS). LA is just 4-7 ATS as a road favorite.

As for the Rockets, they’re a tad worst ATS, posting a 26-38-1 record while 16-49 straight up. Houston is just 1-9 straight up over its last 10 yet 4-6 ATS over that span.

The Rockets are led by C Christian Wood who is averaging 17.9 points per game. Wood didn’t play in Houston’s 17-point loss to Miami on Monday.

Lakers at Rockets 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 11:30 a.m. ET.

Money line: Lakers -220 (bet $220 to win $100) | Rockets +175 (bet $100 to win $175)
Against the spread (ATS): Lakers -5.5 (-107) | Rockets +5.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 233.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

Lakers at Rockets key injuries

Lakers

F Anthony Davis (mid-foot) out
F LeBron James (questionable) knee
G Malik Monk (calf) probable
F Talen Horton-Tucker (ankle) probable

Rockets

C Christian Wood (illness) questionable
G Jae’Sean Tate (ankle) questionable
G Dennis Schroder (ankle) questionable

Lakers at Rockets odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Rockets 120, Lakers 117

Money line

SPRINKLE on ROCKETS +175.

Sure, the Rockets have the second-worst record in the NBA, but they’re 9-21 at home.

The Lakers are 9-20 on the road. I would wait until the status of James is announced, even if you see this taper down to +120 if he’s officially ruled out.

The Rockets are 0-3 against the Lakers. In Houston’shome loss, the Lakers saw James total 32 points and 11 assists, so clearly his status is important.

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Against the spread

BET on the ROCKETS +5.5 (-115).

The Rockets are 2-1 ATS against Lakers this season and were 6-point underdogs when they lost by 9 at home. James was active, so this line seems to bake in that he will play.

Houston has the 25th-best net rating following the All-Star break at -6.4. As for the Lakers, they’ve been awful with a -8.3 net rating and a 115.1 defensive rating.

Since the All-Star break, the Lakers also rank 28th in turnover rate and 23rd in true shooting percentage. Houston ranks far better in turnover rate and then one spot lower in shooting.

The Lakers are 1-4-1 ATS since the All-Star break, and the Rockets are 3-4 ATS. Los Angeles doesn’t have a great offensive identity and may struggle on the road.

This is a “lean” with James’ active and full-unit suggestion if he’s ruled out.

Over/Under

PASS with a slight “lean” to the OVER 233.5 (-112).

If there’s one thing both teams can do well, it’s cover the projected total. The Rockets are 36-28-1 O/U this season, and the Lakers are 34-29-1 O/U.

However, the Lakers are 2-4 O/U since the All-Star break with the Rockets just 2-5 O/U. I like the Over here given the Rockets sit third in the NBA in pace, but overall, I’d prefer the Rockets spread.

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Los Angeles Lakers at Houston Rockets odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Los Angeles Lakers at Houston Rockets odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Los Angeles Lakers (16-18) travel to Toyota Center Tuesday to take on the Houston Rockets (10-24). Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Lakers vs. Rockets odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

The Lakers will be down big man F Anthony Davis and, despite F LeBron James‘ high level of play, they’ve continued to lose close games.

Los Angeles has been one of the league’s worst teams to bet on at just 12-22 against the spread (ATS). The Lakers are just 6-8 ATS away from the Staples Center and are 1-5 ATS as road favorites.

The Rockets are playing the second night of a back-to-back set after taking a road loss at the Charlotte Hornets Monday.

Led by C Christian Wood, the Rockets started 1-16, then went on a seven-game win streak before losing eight of ten games since. They’ve failed to cover four straight games and are 16-17-1 ATS this season.

Lakers at Rockets 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 10:30 a.m. ET.

Money line: Lakers -205 (bet $205 to win $100) | Rockets +165 (bet $100 to win $165)
Against the spread (ATS): Lakers -4.5 (-120) | Rockets +4.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 226.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

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Lakers at Rockets key injuries

Lakers

F Anthony Davis (knee) out
F LeBron James (abdominal strain) probable

Rockets (not officially submitted)

G Jalen Green (hamstring) questionable
F Jae’Sean Tate (health and safety protocols) out

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Lakers at Rockets odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Lakers 114, Rockets 110

Money line

PASS on the money line.

I can’t find value in the Rockets (+165) given the level LeBron is playing at, and the Lakers have dropped too many winnable games to even think about betting their -205 tag.

Against the spread

“LEAN” to the ROCKETS +4.5 (-105) as a fade against the Lakers. While LeBron has been killing it recently, those around him have not and many of them will be sidelined tonight.

The Rockets have many ways to abuse a weak Lakers defense. Wood will be the most versatile big man on the court which should give the Lakers frontcourt some issues.

The Lakers give up the fourth-most points per game in the league and against a team with a few seasoned scorers, especially on the road and short-handed, that could lead to a Rockets cover.

Over/Under

BET on the UNDER 226.5 (-107) as that’s just too many points for a Lakers offense that will be led by James.

Los Angeles should look to slow the pace. With both teams not snagging offensive rebounds at a high rate and Houston being the worst team in terms of turnover rate, I’d bet against this many points.

Both teams are above .500 on the Over — but just barely. The Lakers are 3-7 on the Over/Under in their last 10 games, so they’ve been trending towards fewer points more often than not.

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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)

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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.

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