All Lakers Expert Betting Predictions For Tonight's Attempted Rockets Revenge
Your Los Angeles Lakers, like most of the NBA this year, were caught fairly off-guard the last time they faced off against the revamped 2023-24 Houston Rockets. At this tonight, they'll be on friendly terrain at Crypto.com Arena. The Rockets absolutely obliterated the Lakers, 128-94, on November 8th.
Before the game's 6:30 p.m. PT tipoff, we're going to answer some of your burning betting questions for the bout, with all numbers supplied via The Action Network.
Will either Alperen Sengun or Anthony Davis cover their scoring over/unders? Neither? Both?
Alex: I took a flyer on Sengun whim midway through my fantasy basketball draft this season, and he's quickly emerged as my best non-Giannis Antetokounmpo option at center (the Milwaukee Bucks All-Star is listed as a power forward and center in ESPN leagues). The third-year big man is enjoying a breakout 2023/24 season thus far, averaging 19.8 points while shooting 58% from the field and 63.4% from the charity stripe, 8.2 rebounds, an insane 5.8 assists (I can't believe we live in a world where a center averaging 5.8 assists isn't even the best passing center in his conference) and a steal a night.
The 6'11" Rocket's set over/under is set at 18.5 points, while Davis' is 22.5. On the year, AD is averaging 21.6 points on a .513/300/.877 slash line. I vote for Sengun to go over and Davis to hit the under.
Noel: I predict AD will cover his own in terms of scoring but that Sengun will be held under! He is an amazing player and has been on a tear this season but AD should look to take this matchup a little personal with all of the criticism that he’s been hit with this year. A nice masterclass performance from The Brow is needed on both ends to not only take home a win but stop Sengun from showing out.
Will Cam Reddish swipe more than his projected 1.5 steals a night?
Noel: The Rockets have a couple of respectable ball-handlers with Ime Udoka’s system but Cam Reddish is on an amazing defensive tear right now… I envision at least 2 steals from him today.
Alex: The man is a defensive menace! His 7'1" wingspan has been mucking up the works a lot lately. LA's new starting shooting guard has shown a particular aptitude for intercepting passing lanes. On the year, he's averaging 1.7 swipes a night. But if we zoom in to just the past five games he's been playing as the club's long-term starter, he's averaged a whopping 2.8 steals per bout. Take that over.
Can the Lakers cover the spread (they're -5.5 point favorites) or at least win?
Alex: I'll just say it: the Rockets might actually be good this year. My colleague Noel Sanchez projected them to at least reach the West's No. 10 seed this year. I was totally dubious that, even under the leadership of new head coach Ime Udoka and with the veteran additions of Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, Houston would put things together this year. I may have been wrong. They've got an assortment of blossoming young talent, and the experienced guys seem to be having a positive influence (yes, even Dillon Brooks) on the lottery picks. LA can hang with good young teams for a while this season, but eventually the team just leans too heavily on LeBron James to bail it out late in games. The dude is 38 years old, and against fresher legs he could have trouble closing again. I'm picking the Rockets to flat-out win.
Noel: I predict the Lakers will cover. My final prognosis: LA wins 115-103!
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