The Los Angeles Lakers host the Houston Rockets on Monday, and if you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research, you’re in luck! We’ll give you the latest point spread, money line odds and over/under number, as well as the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet.
The Lakers return home after a disappointing 2-2 four-game road trip and face another big game that carries heavy playoff implications. They sit in fourth place in the Western Conference with a 45-29 record, while the Rockets are 3.5 ahead of them in second place with a 49-26 record.
The Rockets have won 12 of their last 13 games, including a 148-109 thumping of the Phoenix Suns on Sunday. They’re one of the NBA’s best teams defensively and on the boards, which will present a stiff challenge for a Lakers team that is still figuring things out offensively and isn’t adept at limiting opponents to one shot.
In their first meeting against Houston this season on Jan. 5, the Lakers fell short by a final score of 119-115. This will be the first of two final meetings against Houston, both of which will take place at Crypto.com Arena. Winning both of them could give the Lakers at least an outside shot at finishing with the second seed in the West.
The lines, courtesy of BetMGM
Lakers vs Rockets injury updates:
Rockets: No injury report has been submitted yet, but Tari Eason (left lower leg injury management) missed their last game.
Lakers: LeBron James (left groin strain) is probable. Maxi Kleber (right foot surgery recovery) is out.
Advice and Prediction:
The Lakers’ 134-127 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday was a big win, but this game on Monday could be a different animal. While Memphis is one of the NBA’s best and most explosive offensive teams, Houston wins with defense and rebounding.
Houston ranks fourth in defensive rating and first in total rebounding percentage and offensive rebounding percentage. It is also sixth in fast-break points per game, as well as tops in second-chance points per game. That means the team is well-equipped to take advantage of the Lakers’ weaknesses.
The Purple and Gold are 20th in defensive rebounding percentage and tend to give up points in transition and off of offensive rebounds and turnovers. They will once again have to limit their turnovers, get good shots and box out very hard, especially on their defensive boards.
Guard Jalen Green has periodically shown signs of becoming an explosive scorer. He went for 33 points against the Lakers on Jan. 5, and he is someone the Lakers absolutely have to contain.
This game will be a litmus test of sorts for Los Angeles. A win could mean it is just starting to get into gear for the playoffs, but a loss could be an ominous portend for what the next few weeks could hold for it.
We’re going with a win for the Rockets in this game.
Prediction: Rockets 118, Lakers 112
Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Prediction and betting odds for Lakers vs. Rockets
Reporting by Robert Marvi, LeBron Wire / LeBron Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
