Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Lakers: 3 Best Bets

The Houston Rockets saw their six-game win streak come to an end at the hands of the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday, but they have a chance to right the ship as they stay in Hollywood to take on LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Both teams enter the game with a full day of rest and no travel. Both teams have a winning record, and the Lakers have a heavy home-court advantage, at least according to the oddsmakers.

In their last matchup, the Rockets emerged victorious at the Toyota Center by 34 points. That was largely thanks to Anthony Davis not suiting up for the game, and he is probable for tonight’s game. Jarred Vanderbilt and Jared Hood-Schifino are out, and James is questionable. The Rockets will once again be without the services of Amen Thompson and Victor Oladipo. With questions still surrounding LA’s lineup, we still compiled our usual three picks, courtesy of SI Sportsbook.

The Lines

Point spread: Lakers -5.5 (-118)/Rockets +5.5 (-110)

Moneyline: Lakers (-250)/Rockets (+185)

Over/under: 219.5

Our Picks

Safe pick: Alperen Şengün OVER 18.5 points (-118)

In the last matchup between these two teams, Alperen Şengün scored 19 points on a ridiculous 80 percent shooting from the floor. Since that game, he is averaging 23.3 points per game. Even if Anthony Davis does play, the Lakers’ defense will struggle to contain Şengün, which has been a struggle plaguing every team in the league so far. Şengün is emerging as Houston’s best player, and the offense runs through him.

Opponent pick: Taurean Prince OVER 8.5 points (-120)

Taurean Prince has never had a reputation as a scorer, averaging just 9.2 points in 11 starts with the Lakers this season. Against Houston, he only managed seven points. However, Houston’s defense excels on the perimeter, and Prince has no issue scoring inside. With Davis still nursing an injury and Vanderbilt out, Prince will play a larger role than usual, so his scoring output should reflect that.

Jalen Green Receives Praise From Doc Rivers

Team pick: Rockets +5.5 (-110)

The Lakers are 7-6 and Houston is 6-4. Pretty even results, except Houston, just had a six-game win streak snapped and is looking to win. While they might not eke out a victory, they should keep it fairly close. Plus, five of LA’s seven victories this season have been within five points, so they aren’t likely to blow out Houston. If LeBron James or Davis doesn’t suit up, then the game will definitely be close.