Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers Game 2 betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Houston Rockets play Game 2 of their Western Conference Semifinals series against the Los Angeles Lakers Sunday in the Lake Buena Vista, Fla., bubble. Tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m. ET (on ESPN). Below, we analyze the Rockets-Lakers NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Rockets vs. Lakers: Key injuries

Rockets

  • PF Luc Mbah a Moute (knee) questionable
  • SG Daniel House Jr. (head) questionable

Lakers

  • PF Anthony Davis (finger) probable
  • LeBron James (groin) probable
  • PG Rajon Rondo (back) probable

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Rockets vs. Lakers: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 8:50 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Rockets 112, Lakers 105

Moneyline (ML)

The Lakers (-250) open Game 2 as slight favorites over the ROCKETS (+200). The Lakers are coming off a rough Game 1 loss and will likely try to make some adjustments by going bigger on offense to take advantage of the lack of size by the Rockets.

With the Lakers struggling so much recently with their shooting, it wouldn’t be surprising if they dropped another game to the Rockets. Considering the odds and their recent success against the Lakers, TAKE HOUSTON (+200) to win this game outright.

Also see:

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The underdog ROCKETS (+5.5, -110) are the play once again in this matchup. The Lakers have failed to cover the spread in 11 of their last 15 games, while the Rockets have covered the spread in 17 of their last 20 games against Los Angeles.

Look for this game to be closer than Game 2 as the Lakers will certainly play with a higher sense of urgency. Still, expect the Rockets to win and cover Sunday evening.

Over/Under (O/U)

The O/U is 223.5. While both of these offenses can score with the best of them, expect the Lakers to try to slow down the pace of this contest.

Despite being one of the best offenses in the NBA, it’s worth noting the Under has hit in 11 of the last 15 games featuring the Rockets. Take the UNDER 223.5 (-110) in this Game 2 matchup between the Lakers and Rockets.

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

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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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Portland Trail Blazers vs. Los Angeles Lakers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Portland Trail Blazers vs. Los Angeles Lakers Game 5 betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Portland Trail Blazers play Game 5 of their Western Conference Quarterfinals series against the Los Angeles Lakers Wednesday at AdventHealth Arena in Reunion, Fla. Tip-off is set for 9 p.m. ET. We analyze the Trail Blazers-Lakers NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Trail Blazers vs. Lakers: Key injuries

Trail Blazers

  • PG Damian Lillard (knee) out
  • PF Zach Collins (ankle) out
  • SF Nassir Little (illness) out
  • SG C.J. McCollum (back) available

Lakers

  • PG Rajon Rondo (back) doubtful
  • PF Anthony Davis (back) probable
  • LeBron James (groin) probable
  • SF Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (knee) probable

Get some action on this game or any other matchup with an NBA bet at BetMGM in NJ, IN, CO and WV. Bet now!

Trail Blazers vs. Lakers: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Lakers 119, Trail Blazers 103

Moneyline (ML)

After three-straight wins, the Lakers (-1250) are monster favorites over the Trail Blazers (+765) to win Game 5 and the series. All three of the Lakers’ wins over the Blazers haven’t been particularly close and without Lillard available for Portland, this one shouldn’t be either.

However, there just isn’t enough value on the Lakers’ side to take them in this contest, so PASS on the moneyline in favor of the spread.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

After being six to eight-point favorites in each of the first four games, the LAKERS -13.5 (-110) open this game as double-digit favorites over the Blazers (+13.5, -110). The Lakers have won the last three games of this series by a combined 51 points and that was with Lillard on the court.

While the Blazers will try to keep this close for as long as possible, they just don’t have the talent or size to keep up with the Lakers for very long. Take the Lakers here and expect another blowout in Orlando.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total for this Western Conference playoff game is set at 222.5, which feels about right considering how well Los Angeles’ defense has shut down Portland in this series. The Trail Blazers have averaged just under 103 points per game in this series, 11 points fewer than what they averaged in the regular season.

Without Lillard, buckets could be tough to get for Portland and the Lakers offense probably won’t be able to carry this line by themselves. Take the UNDER 222.5 (-110).

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @Marcus_Mosher 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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