Houston Rockets
Basketball
LA Lakers
  1. Prediction
  2. SGP Picks
  3. Odds
  4. Team Stats
  5. Player Stats
  6. Player Props
  7. Team News
  8. Lineups
  9. Injuries
  10. Rosters
  11. Standings

NBA Playoffs Betting Preview: Rockets vs Lakers

The No. 5 seed Houston Rockets (52-30, 22-19 away) take on the No. 4 LA Lakers (53-29, 28-13 at home) in Game 1 of this first-round NBA Playoffs series.

Back Rockets to Overpower Lakers

There’s a strong case for backing the Rockets against the spread in their matchup with the Lakers. Considering their recent form and the data, the line looks attractive, with the favorites available at -5 at odds of -108.

Rockets Ride Four-Game Road Streak

The Houston Rockets enter this series having won four straight road games, most recently beating the Memphis Grizzlies 132-101 at home at Toyota Center. Clint Capela finished with 23 points, while Tari Eason added 20 and Reed Sheppard chipped in with 19.

The Los Angeles Lakers picked up a 131-107 home win over the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena last time out, their third straight victory. Deandre Ayton and Rui Hachimura each had 22 points and 10 rebounds, while LeBron James added 18.

Head-to-Head Statistics

The Lakers have won the last two meetings with the Rockets, 100-92 and 124-116 at Toyota Center. Los Angeles has won six of the last 10 matchups.

NBA Reg. Season W L PCT PPG OPP PPG DIFF Home Road Div Conf Last 10 Strk
Lakers logo Lakers 53 29 0.646 116.3 114.6 1.7 28-13 25-16 10-7 33-19 7-3 3W
Rockets logo Rockets 52 30 0.634 115.2 110 5.2 30-11 22-19 10-6 29-23 9-1 1W
View Full Standings

Confirmed Starting Lineups

Houston Rockets lineup: Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith, Reed Sheppard, Josh Okogie, Alperen Sengun.

LA Lakers lineup: DeAndre Ayton, Luke Kennard, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart.

Houston Rockets vs LA Lakers Prediction & Picks

This Houston Rockets vs LA Lakers betting breakdown features a main match prediction, a correct score insight, expert player prop picks and a sharply constructed same game parlay to guide your wagers.

Game Prediction

We’re backing the Rockets against the spread in this first-round matchup. It could be a smart play to take the favorites to cover the -5 line, with -108 available.

The handicappers at Sportsgambler.com regularly track injury updates and pair that with current form. We also tap into a deep stats database to highlight the key numbers that help shape our basketball predictions.

Key Rockets vs Lakers stats:

  • The -5 line has been covered by Rockets in 8 of their last 10 games.
  • The -5 line has been covered by Rockets in 3 of their last 5 games.

Rockets -5 Probability

The best betting apps imply that our pick has a 51.8% prospect of winning. After careful examination, our cappers have this probability close to 60%. That means we’re regarding it as a value wager.

Looking for Bigger Odds?

If you’re searching for bigger odds when it comes to the Rockets covering the line, then consider a same game parlay. This allows you to load additional selections to your wager.

Get rewarded when bet. Check our latest guide featuring top-rated free bets, promotions and sign-up bonuses.

Our Game Prediction
Rockets -5 @ -108 Bet Now BetMGM logo
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Disclosure: This preview contains affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. T&Cs apply. We only recommend licensed and regulated operators. See our Editorial Policy. Pick odds and lines reflect the price available at the time of publication (Apr 18, 01:02). Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.
Published 01:02, 18 April 2026

Player Prop Picks

Top Pick: Amen Thompson Over 18.5 Points -122 BetMGM logo

Amen Thompson (Rockets) has averaged 25 points in the past 4 games. It makes sense to bet on him to cover the line and there are odds of -122 available for this Player Points wager.

Latest Amen Thompson Player Prop Odds


LeBron James Under 25.5 Points -108 BetMGM logo

LeBron James (Lakers) has averaged 20.25 points in the past 4 games at home. This is a telling statistic and we’re happy to back him to fall short of the line once again, with odds of -108 available.

Latest LeBron James Player Prop Odds

Pick odds and lines correct at publication. Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Same Game Parlay Picks

Spread Rockets -5
Totals Over 207.5
Player Points Amen Thompson Over 18.5

Take a same game parlay that incorporates Rockets to cover the -5 spread along with Over 207.5. Add in Amen Thompson (Rockets) to score Over 18.5 points.

A same game parlay allows basketball bettors to place a multiple wager on the same game. You can go through the available betting lines and choose the outcomes that you think will happen. The odds for each selection are then combined together.

Pick odds and lines correct at publication. Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Correct Score Prediction

Rockets Rockets logo 111 - 103 Lakers logo Lakers

The Rockets can be bet in a variety of ways, including the correct final score. There’s the chance to back them to win 111-103 for a big potential payout.

T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Houston Rockets vs LA Lakers Odds

The odds and lines below are updated regularly and may differ from the prices shown in our picks, which are captured at the time of publication.

Rockets Have the Shortest Odds to Win

Sportsbooks’ favorites Houston Rockets are regarded as likeliest victors for this NBA Playoffs game and the -154 about them winning means a 61% chance based on their current Moneyline betting odds. The LA Lakers are the underdogs at +130 and they’re regarded as least likely to win.

The current spread is 3 and the total points line is 208.5. The Totals offers basketball bettors an alternative way of getting involved. If you're keen on Over 208.5, this selection is available at -106.

If you’re planning to place a basketball wager, visit the best NBA sportsbooks and check out the huge selection of available team props and game lines. Find the lines which are the most attractive.

Betting Lines & Odds
LeBron James Favorite to Get the Most Buckets

In terms of hitting the most buckets, favorite LeBron James is available at -127 to rack up Over 25.5 points. If you want to go Under, then -108 is available.

Player Points
LeBron James (Lakers)
Over 25.5
-127
Under 25.5
-108
BetMGM Logo
Kevin Durant (Rockets)
Over 24.5
-118
Under 24.5
-115
BetMGM Logo
Alperen Sengun (Rockets)
Over 19.5
-127
Under 19.5
-108
BetMGM Logo
Amen Thompson (Rockets)
Over 18.5
-125
Under 18.5
-109
BetMGM Logo
Player Assists
LeBron James (Lakers)
Over 8.5
-135
Under 8.5
-100
BetMGM Logo
Alperen Sengun (Rockets)
Over 5.5
-104
Under 5.5
-132
BetMGM Logo
Amen Thompson (Rockets)
Over 5.5
+115
Under 5.5
-156
BetMGM Logo
Kevin Durant (Rockets)
Over 4.5
-143
Under 4.5
+106
BetMGM Logo
Player Rebounds
Alperen Sengun (Rockets)
Over 8.5
-127
Under 8.5
-108
BetMGM Logo
LeBron James (Lakers)
Over 7.5
+118
Under 7.5
-159
BetMGM Logo
Amen Thompson (Rockets)
Over 7.5
-135
Under 7.5
-100
BetMGM Logo
Deandre Ayton (Lakers)
Over 7.5
-154
Under 7.5
+114
BetMGM Logo
Micro Betting

Instead of focusing on the overall outcome, some basketball bettors prefer to look at the micro betting lines. As the name suggests, it means placing short-term in-game wagers and this might include Next Field Goal, with the options being for a two-pointer or a three-pointer.

Live market odds and lines updated regularly. All odds subject to change. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.
Best Betting Offers
Crypto.com Arena
Crypto.com Arena
Lakers Have Nine Wins From Last Ten Home Games

The Lakers are 9-1 in their last 10 home games, putting up 118.10 points per contest and giving up 107.40.

The Rockets have built a run of four consecutive road wins. They have five wins and five losses in the last 10 games on the road, averaging 116.20 points scored and 118.10 points allowed.

The Rockets earned a 119-96 win over the Lakers the last time they played at Crypto.com Arena. Looking at the last 10 head-to-head matchups at Crypto.com Arena, the Lakers have eight victories and the Rockets two.

Last 10 Games W-L P PF PA O208.5 U208.5
LA Lakers logo LA Lakers Home Stats 9-1 222.20 115.90 106.30 7 3
Houston Rockets logo Houston Rockets Away Stats 4-6 228.20 112.60 115.60 8 2
  • W-L = Wins-Losses
  • P = Avg. Points
  • PF = Avg. Points For
  • PA = Avg. Points Against
  • O208.5 = Games Over 208.5 Points
  • U208.5 = Games Under 208.5 Points
Last 5 & H2H
Team Stats

Latest regular season and playoff games stats.

Houston Rockets logo Houston Rockets Stats
LA Lakers logo LA Lakers Stats
Moneyline
  • 6 wins and 4 defeats in the last 10 games
  • 4 wins and 6 defeats in the last 10 games on the road
Moneyline
  • 6 wins and 4 defeats in the last 10 games
  • 9 wins and 1 defeat in the last 10 home games
Point Spread
Point Spread
Total Points
Total Points
Team Stats - Avg/Game
Team Stats - Avg/Game
Team News

Houston Rockets Player Stats & Roster

Player GP MIN TP TA PTS AST 3P REB BLK STL
Amen Thompson 4 43.55 82 27 20.5 6.8 - 6.8 1.0 2.0
Jabari Smith 4 41.85 74 5 18.5 1.3 3.5 8.0 0.3 1.5
Kevin Durant 1 41 23 4 23.0 4.0 1.0 6.0 1.0 1.0

LA Lakers Player Stats & Roster

Player GP MIN TP TA PTS AST 3P REB BLK STL
Luke Kennard 4 39.48 71 13 17.8 3.3 2.3 4.8 - 0.8
Rui Hachimura 4 39.35 62 5 15.5 1.3 2.5 3.5 0.8 1.3
LeBron James 4 38.98 86 35 21.5 8.8 1.8 8.3 0.5 1.5

Injuries & Suspensions

Houston Rockets Injury Table

Type
Name
Info

LA Lakers Injury Table

Type
Name
Info

Starting Lineups

LA Lakers logo LA Lakers Confirmed Lineup
5 DeAndre Ayton
10 Luke Kennard
23 LeBron James
28 Rui Hachimura
36 Marcus Smart
Houston Rockets logo Houston Rockets Confirmed Lineup
1 Amen Thompson
10 Jabari Smith
15 Reed Sheppard
20 Josh Okogie
28 Alperen Sengun

Previous Houston Rockets Lineups

26 Apr NBA Playoffs
Lakers 96-115 Rockets
24 Apr NBA Playoffs
Lakers 112-108 Rockets
21 Apr NBA Playoffs
Rockets 94-101 Lakers
18 Apr NBA Playoffs
Rockets 98-107 Lakers
12 Apr NBA
Grizzlies 101-132 Rockets
10 Apr NBA
Timberwolves 136-132 Rockets
09 Apr NBA
76ers 102-113 Rockets
07 Apr NBA
Rockets 119-105 Suns
05 Apr NBA
Rockets 117-116 Warriors
03 Apr NBA
Jazz 106-140 Rockets

Previous LA Lakers Lineups

26 Apr NBA Playoffs
Lakers 96-115 Rockets
24 Apr NBA Playoffs
Lakers 112-108 Rockets
21 Apr NBA Playoffs
Rockets 94-101 Lakers
18 Apr NBA Playoffs
Rockets 98-107 Lakers
12 Apr NBA
Jazz 107-131 Lakers
10 Apr NBA
Suns 73-101 Lakers
09 Apr NBA
Lakers 119-103 Warriors
07 Apr NBA
Thunder 123-87 Lakers
05 Apr NBA
Lakers 128-134 Mavericks
02 Apr NBA
Lakers 96-139 Thunder

NBA Regular Season Table Select Season

East Atlantic W L PCT PPG OPP PPG DIFF Home Road Div Conf Last 10 Strk
Celtics 56 26 0.683 114.9 107.2 7.7 30-11 26-15 10-6 36-16 8-2 2W
Knicks 53 29 0.646 116.5 110.1 6.4 30-10 23-19 14-3 35-17 6-4 1L
Raptors 46 36 0.561 114.6 111.8 2.8 24-17 22-19 5-12 33-19 6-4 1W
76ers 45 37 0.549 115.9 116.1 -0.2 23-18 22-19 9-7 27-25 6-4 2W
Nets 20 62 0.244 105.9 115.9 -10 12-29 8-33 3-13 14-37 3-7 3L
East Central W L PCT PPG OPP PPG DIFF Home Road Div Conf Last 10 Strk
Pistons 60 22 0.732 117.8 109.6 8.2 32-9 28-13 12-4 39-13 8-2 3W
Cavaliers 52 30 0.634 119.5 115.4 4.1 27-14 25-16 11-5 33-19 7-3 1W
Bucks 32 50 0.39 110.6 116.8 -6.2 19-22 13-28 9-7 21-31 3-7 1L
Bulls 31 51 0.378 116.3 121.5 -5.2 18-23 13-28 4-12 19-32 2-8 2L
Pacers 19 63 0.232 112.4 120.4 -8 11-30 8-33 4-12 15-37 3-7 2L
East Southeast W L PCT PPG OPP PPG DIFF Home Road Div Conf Last 10 Strk
Hawks 46 36 0.561 118.5 116 2.5 24-17 22-19 9-7 27-25 6-4 1L
Magic 45 37 0.549 115.7 115.1 0.6 26-16 19-21 9-8 26-26 7-3 1L
Hornets 44 38 0.537 116 111.2 4.8 21-20 23-18 11-5 26-26 6-4 1W
Heat 43 39 0.524 120.9 118.5 2.4 26-15 17-24 10-7 27-25 5-5 2W
Wizards 17 65 0.207 112.9 124.9 -12 11-30 6-35 2-14 11-41 0-10 10L
West Northwest W L PCT PPG OPP PPG DIFF Home Road Div Conf Last 10 Strk
Thunder 64 18 0.78 119 107.9 11.1 34-8 30-10 12-4 41-11 7-3 2L
Nuggets 54 28 0.659 122.1 116.9 5.2 28-13 26-15 11-5 36-16 10-0 12W
Timberwolves 49 33 0.598 118 114.6 3.4 26-15 23-18 9-7 31-21 5-5 2W
Trail Blazers 42 40 0.512 115.5 115.8 -0.3 24-17 18-23 7-9 29-23 7-3 2W
Jazz 22 60 0.268 117.6 126 -8.4 14-27 8-33 1-15 12-40 1-9 1L
West Pacific W L PCT PPG OPP PPG DIFF Home Road Div Conf Last 10 Strk
Lakers 53 29 0.646 116.3 114.6 1.7 28-13 25-16 10-7 33-19 7-3 3W
Suns 45 37 0.549 112.6 111.1 1.5 25-16 20-21 10-7 29-23 5-5 1W
Clippers 42 40 0.512 113.8 112.6 1.2 23-18 19-22 10-6 25-27 6-4 1W
Warriors 37 45 0.451 114.6 115.2 -0.6 22-19 15-26 7-9 24-28 3-7 3L
Kings 22 60 0.268 111 121 -10 15-26 7-34 4-12 14-38 3-7 1L
West Southwest W L PCT PPG OPP PPG DIFF Home Road Div Conf Last 10 Strk
Spurs 62 20 0.756 119.8 111.5 8.3 32-8 30-12 13-3 36-16 8-2 1L
Rockets 52 30 0.634 115.2 110 5.2 30-11 22-19 10-6 29-23 9-1 1W
Pelicans 26 56 0.317 115.5 120 -4.5 17-24 9-32 7-9 17-34 1-9 2L
Mavericks 26 56 0.317 114.1 119.6 -5.5 16-25 10-31 4-12 14-37 3-7 1W
Grizzlies 25 57 0.305 114.7 120.7 -6 14-27 11-30 6-10 19-33 1-9 8L
Eastern Conference W L PCT PPG OPP PPG DIFF Home Road Div Conf Last 10 Strk
Pistons 60 22 0.732 117.8 109.6 8.2 32-9 28-13 12-4 39-13 8-2 3W
Celtics 56 26 0.683 114.9 107.2 7.7 30-11 26-15 10-6 36-16 8-2 2W
Knicks 53 29 0.646 116.5 110.1 6.4 30-10 23-19 14-3 35-17 6-4 1L
Cavaliers 52 30 0.634 119.5 115.4 4.1 27-14 25-16 11-5 33-19 7-3 1W
Raptors 46 36 0.561 114.6 111.8 2.8 24-17 22-19 5-12 33-19 6-4 1W
Hawks 46 36 0.561 118.5 116 2.5 24-17 22-19 9-7 27-25 6-4 1L
76ers 45 37 0.549 115.9 116.1 -0.2 23-18 22-19 9-7 27-25 6-4 2W
Magic 45 37 0.549 115.7 115.1 0.6 26-16 19-21 9-8 26-26 7-3 1L
Hornets 44 38 0.537 116 111.2 4.8 21-20 23-18 11-5 26-26 6-4 1W
Heat 43 39 0.524 120.9 118.5 2.4 26-15 17-24 10-7 27-25 5-5 2W
Bucks 32 50 0.39 110.6 116.8 -6.2 19-22 13-28 9-7 21-31 3-7 1L
Bulls 31 51 0.378 116.3 121.5 -5.2 18-23 13-28 4-12 19-32 2-8 2L
Nets 20 62 0.244 105.9 115.9 -10 12-29 8-33 3-13 14-37 3-7 3L
Pacers 19 63 0.232 112.4 120.4 -8 11-30 8-33 4-12 15-37 3-7 2L
Wizards 17 65 0.207 112.9 124.9 -12 11-30 6-35 2-14 11-41 0-10 10L
Western Conference W L PCT PPG OPP PPG DIFF Home Road Div Conf Last 10 Strk
Thunder 64 18 0.78 119 107.9 11.1 34-8 30-10 12-4 41-11 7-3 2L
Spurs 62 20 0.756 119.8 111.5 8.3 32-8 30-12 13-3 36-16 8-2 1L
Nuggets 54 28 0.659 122.1 116.9 5.2 28-13 26-15 11-5 36-16 10-0 12W
Lakers 53 29 0.646 116.3 114.6 1.7 28-13 25-16 10-7 33-19 7-3 3W
Rockets 52 30 0.634 115.2 110 5.2 30-11 22-19 10-6 29-23 9-1 1W
Timberwolves 49 33 0.598 118 114.6 3.4 26-15 23-18 9-7 31-21 5-5 2W
Suns 45 37 0.549 112.6 111.1 1.5 25-16 20-21 10-7 29-23 5-5 1W
Trail Blazers 42 40 0.512 115.5 115.8 -0.3 24-17 18-23 7-9 29-23 7-3 2W
Clippers 42 40 0.512 113.8 112.6 1.2 23-18 19-22 10-6 25-27 6-4 1W
Warriors 37 45 0.451 114.6 115.2 -0.6 22-19 15-26 7-9 24-28 3-7 3L
Pelicans 26 56 0.317 115.5 120 -4.5 17-24 9-32 7-9 17-34 1-9 2L
Mavericks 26 56 0.317 114.1 119.6 -5.5 16-25 10-31 4-12 14-37 3-7 1W
Grizzlies 25 57 0.305 114.7 120.7 -6 14-27 11-30 6-10 19-33 1-9 8L
Kings 22 60 0.268 111 121 -10 15-26 7-34 4-12 14-38 3-7 1L
Jazz 22 60 0.268 117.6 126 -8.4 14-27 8-33 1-15 12-40 1-9 1L
NBA W L PCT PPG OPP PPG DIFF Home Road Div Conf Last 10 Strk
Thunder 64 18 0.78 119 107.9 11.1 34-8 30-10 12-4 41-11 7-3 2L
Spurs 62 20 0.756 119.8 111.5 8.3 32-8 30-12 13-3 36-16 8-2 1L
Pistons 60 22 0.732 117.8 109.6 8.2 32-9 28-13 12-4 39-13 8-2 3W
Celtics 56 26 0.683 114.9 107.2 7.7 30-11 26-15 10-6 36-16 8-2 2W
Nuggets 54 28 0.659 122.1 116.9 5.2 28-13 26-15 11-5 36-16 10-0 12W
Lakers 53 29 0.646 116.3 114.6 1.7 28-13 25-16 10-7 33-19 7-3 3W
Knicks 53 29 0.646 116.5 110.1 6.4 30-10 23-19 14-3 35-17 6-4 1L
Cavaliers 52 30 0.634 119.5 115.4 4.1 27-14 25-16 11-5 33-19 7-3 1W
Rockets 52 30 0.634 115.2 110 5.2 30-11 22-19 10-6 29-23 9-1 1W
Timberwolves 49 33 0.598 118 114.6 3.4 26-15 23-18 9-7 31-21 5-5 2W
Hawks 46 36 0.561 118.5 116 2.5 24-17 22-19 9-7 27-25 6-4 1L
Raptors 46 36 0.561 114.6 111.8 2.8 24-17 22-19 5-12 33-19 6-4 1W
Magic 45 37 0.549 115.7 115.1 0.6 26-16 19-21 9-8 26-26 7-3 1L
76ers 45 37 0.549 115.9 116.1 -0.2 23-18 22-19 9-7 27-25 6-4 2W
Suns 45 37 0.549 112.6 111.1 1.5 25-16 20-21 10-7 29-23 5-5 1W
Hornets 44 38 0.537 116 111.2 4.8 21-20 23-18 11-5 26-26 6-4 1W
Heat 43 39 0.524 120.9 118.5 2.4 26-15 17-24 10-7 27-25 5-5 2W
Clippers 42 40 0.512 113.8 112.6 1.2 23-18 19-22 10-6 25-27 6-4 1W
Trail Blazers 42 40 0.512 115.5 115.8 -0.3 24-17 18-23 7-9 29-23 7-3 2W
Warriors 37 45 0.451 114.6 115.2 -0.6 22-19 15-26 7-9 24-28 3-7 3L
Bucks 32 50 0.39 110.6 116.8 -6.2 19-22 13-28 9-7 21-31 3-7 1L
Bulls 31 51 0.378 116.3 121.5 -5.2 18-23 13-28 4-12 19-32 2-8 2L
Mavericks 26 56 0.317 114.1 119.6 -5.5 16-25 10-31 4-12 14-37 3-7 1W
Pelicans 26 56 0.317 115.5 120 -4.5 17-24 9-32 7-9 17-34 1-9 2L
Grizzlies 25 57 0.305 114.7 120.7 -6 14-27 11-30 6-10 19-33 1-9 8L
Kings 22 60 0.268 111 121 -10 15-26 7-34 4-12 14-38 3-7 1L
Jazz 22 60 0.268 117.6 126 -8.4 14-27 8-33 1-15 12-40 1-9 1L
Nets 20 62 0.244 105.9 115.9 -10 12-29 8-33 3-13 14-37 3-7 3L
Pacers 19 63 0.232 112.4 120.4 -8 11-30 8-33 4-12 15-37 3-7 2L
Wizards 17 65 0.207 112.9 124.9 -12 11-30 6-35 2-14 11-41 0-10 10L
  • W = Wins
  • L = Losses
  • PCT = Winning Percentage
  • PPG = Points Per Game
  • OPP PPG = Opponent Points Per Game
  • DIFF = Average Point Differential
  • Home = Home Record
  • Road = Away Record
  • Div = Division Record
  • Conf = Conference Record
  • Last 10 = Record last 10 games
  • Strk = Current Streak

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