Houston Rockets vs LA Lakers Prediction, Picks & Odds | NBA Saturday

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.

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.

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
Rockets	1	0	1	128	110	18	1-0	0-0	1-0	1-0	1-0	1W
Lakers	1	0	1	127	105	22	1-0	0-0	1-0	1-0	1-0	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.

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.

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Our Game Prediction

Rockets -5 @ -108 Bet Now

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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.

Player Prop Picks

Top Pick: Amen Thompson Over 18.5 Points -122

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

Points

Over 18.5

-125

Under 18.5

-109

Assists

Over 5.5

+115

Under 5.5

-156

Rebounds

Over 7.5

-135

Under 7.5

-100

---

LeBron James Under 25.5 Points -108

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

Points

Over 25.5

-127

Under 25.5

-108

Assists

Over 8.5

-135

Under 8.5

-100

Rebounds

Over 7.5

+118

Under 7.5

-159

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 111 - 103 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.

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.

Moneyline

Rockets

-154

Lakers

+130

Point Spread

Rockets -3

-110

Lakers +3

-110

Total Points

Under 208.5

-114

Over 208.5

-106

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.

LeBron James (Lakers)

Over 25.5

-127

Under 25.5

-108

Kevin Durant (Rockets)

Over 24.5

-118

Under 24.5

-115

Alperen Sengun (Rockets)

Over 19.5

-127

Under 19.5

-108

Amen Thompson (Rockets)

Over 18.5

-125

Under 18.5

-109

Jabari Smith Jr (Rockets)

Over 14.5

-114

Under 14.5

-120

Rui Hachimura (Lakers)

Over 14.5

-108

Under 14.5

-127

Deandre Ayton (Lakers)

Over 12.5

-133

Under 12.5

-100

Luke Kennard (Lakers)

Over 12.5

-115

Under 12.5

-118

Reed Sheppard (Rockets)

Over 12.5

-103

Under 12.5

-133

Marcus Smart (Lakers)

Over 11.5

-109

Under 11.5

-125

Tari Eason (Rockets)

Over 8.5

-128

Under 8.5

-106

Jake LaRavia (Lakers)

Over 7.5

-128

Under 7.5

-106

LeBron James (Lakers)

Over 8.5

-135

Under 8.5

-100

Alperen Sengun (Rockets)

Over 5.5

-104

Under 5.5

-132

Amen Thompson (Rockets)

Over 5.5

+115

Under 5.5

-156

Kevin Durant (Rockets)

Over 4.5

-143

Under 4.5

+106

Luke Kennard (Lakers)

Over 4.5

-132

Under 4.5

-104

Marcus Smart (Lakers)

Over 4.5

+115

Under 4.5

-156

Reed Sheppard (Rockets)

Over 2.5

-143

Under 2.5

+106

Jabari Smith Jr (Rockets)

Over 1.5

+116

Under 1.5

-152

Rui Hachimura (Lakers)

Over 1.5

+151

Under 1.5

-200

Deandre Ayton (Lakers)

Over 0.5

-233

Under 0.5

+174

Alperen Sengun (Rockets)

Over 8.5

-127

Under 8.5

-108

LeBron James (Lakers)

Over 7.5

+118

Under 7.5

-159

Amen Thompson (Rockets)

Over 7.5

-135

Under 7.5

-100

Deandre Ayton (Lakers)

Over 7.5

-154

Under 7.5

+114

Jabari Smith Jr (Rockets)

Over 6.5

-108

Under 6.5

-127

Kevin Durant (Rockets)

Over 5.5

-114

Under 5.5

-120

Tari Eason (Rockets)

Over 4.5

-143

Under 4.5

+104

Rui Hachimura (Lakers)

Over 3.5

-122

Under 3.5

-112

Luke Kennard (Lakers)

Over 3.5

-105

Under 3.5

-130

Jake LaRavia (Lakers)

Over 3.5

-127

Under 3.5

-108

Reed Sheppard (Rockets)

Over 2.5

-104

Under 2.5

-132

Marcus Smart (Lakers)

Over 2.5

-143

Under 2.5

+105

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.

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 Home Stats		9-1	222.20	115.90	106.30	7	3
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

Latest regular season and playoff games stats.

Houston Rockets Stats

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

• +4.5 Betting Line: Have covered the spread in 8 of the last 10 games
• +4.5 Betting Line on the Road: Have covered the spread in 5 of the last 10 games on the road

Point Spread

• -4.5 Betting Line: Have covered the spread in 5 of the last 10 games
• -4.5 Betting Line at Home: Have covered the spread in 8 of the last 10 home games

Total Points

• Game Totals: An average of 225.00 pts in the previous 10 games
• Game Totals on the Road: An average of 228.20 pts in the previous 10 games on the road
• Over 208.5: Covered in 8 of the previous 10 games
• Over 208.5 on the Road: Covered in 8 of the previous 10 games on the road
• Team Totals: Have scored an average of 116.80 pts and allowed 108.20 pts in the last 10 games
• Team Totals on the Road: Have scored an average of 112.60 pts and allowed 115.60 pts in the last 10 games on the road

Total Points

• Game Totals: An average of 217.20 pts in the previous 10 games
• Game Totals at Home: An average of 222.20 pts in the previous 10 home games
• Over 208.5: Covered in 7 of the previous 10 games
• Over 208.5 at Home: Covered in 7 of the previous 10 home games
• Team Totals: Have scored an average of 107.80 pts and allowed 109.40 pts in the last 10 games
• Team Totals at Home: Have scored an average of 115.90 pts and allowed 106.30 pts in the last 10 home games

Team Stats - Avg/Game

Last 10 Games

• 2-Pointers Made: 32.10 (55%)
• 3-Pointers Made: 11.20 (34%)
• Free Throws Made: 19.00 (76.92%)
• Rebounds: Total 46.5, Offensive 15.70, Defensive 30.80
• Assists: 24.60
• Blocks: 5.10
• Steals: 9.90
• Turnovers : 13.40
• Personal Fouls: 19.60

Last 10 Games on the Road

• 2-Pointers Made: 31.70 (54%)
• 3-Pointers Made: 10.70 (32%)
• Free Throws Made: 17.10 (77.38%)
• Rebounds: Total 47.1, Offensive 16.20, Defensive 30.90
• Assists: 26.90
• Blocks: 6.20
• Steals: 7.70
• Turnovers : 14.20
• Personal Fouls: 19.50

Team Stats - Avg/Game

Last 10 Games

• 2-Pointers Made: 29.30 (57%)
• 3-Pointers Made: 10.30 (39%)
• Free Throws Made: 18.30 (72.33%)
• Rebounds: Total 39.6, Offensive 8.10, Defensive 31.50
• Assists: 28.40
• Blocks: 4.70
• Steals: 10.00
• Turnovers : 16.30
• Personal Fouls: 18.40

Last 10 Home Games

• 2-Pointers Made: 30.40 (59%)
• 3-Pointers Made: 11.70 (41%)
• Free Throws Made: 20.00 (71.68%)
• Rebounds: Total 41.4, Offensive 7.90, Defensive 33.50
• Assists: 27.50
• Blocks: 5.50
• Steals: 9.80
• Turnovers : 13.60
• Personal Fouls: 18.00

Injuries & Suspensions

Starting Lineups

LA Lakers Confirmed Lineup

5 DeAndre Ayton

10 Luke Kennard

23 LeBron James

28 Rui Hachimura

36 Marcus Smart

Houston Rockets Confirmed Lineup

1 Amen Thompson

10 Jabari Smith

15 Reed Sheppard

20 Josh Okogie

28 Alperen Sengun

NBA Regular Season Table Select Season 2026/20272025/20262024/20252023/20242022/20232021/20222020/20212019/2020

Division Conference League

East Atlantic	W	L	PCT	PPG	OPP PPG	DIFF	Home	Road	Div	Conf	Last 10	Strk
76ers	1	0	1	106	100	6	0-0	1-0	1-0	1-0	1-0	1W
Raptors	1	0	1	135	92	43	1-0	0-0	0-0	1-0	1-0	1W
Knicks	0	1	0	100	106	-6	0-1	0-0	0-1	0-1	0-1	1L
Nets	0	1	0	103	110	-7	0-1	0-0	0-0	0-1	0-1	1L
Celtics	0	1	0	113	121	-8	0-0	0-1	0-0	0-1	0-1	1L

East Central	W	L	PCT	PPG	OPP PPG	DIFF	Home	Road	Div	Conf	Last 10	Strk
Pistons	1	0	1	121	113	8	1-0	0-0	0-0	1-0	1-0	1W
Pacers	1	0	1	123	120	3	0-0	1-0	0-0	0-0	1-0	1W
Bucks	0	1	0	116	128	-12	0-0	0-1	0-0	0-1	0-1	1L
Bulls	0	1	0	92	135	-43	0-0	0-1	0-0	0-1	0-1	1L
Cavaliers	0	0	0	0	0	0	0-0	0-0	0-0	0-0	-	-

East Southeast	W	L	PCT	PPG	OPP PPG	DIFF	Home	Road	Div	Conf	Last 10	Strk
Hawks	1	0	1	132	125	7	0-0	1-0	1-0	1-0	1-0	1W
Wizards	1	0	1	128	116	12	1-0	0-0	0-0	1-0	1-0	1W
Hornets	1	0	1	110	103	7	0-0	1-0	0-0	1-0	1-0	1W
Magic	0	1	0	125	132	-7	0-1	0-0	0-1	0-1	0-1	1L
Heat	0	1	0	106	131	-25	0-1	0-0	0-0	0-0	0-1	1L

West Northwest	W	L	PCT	PPG	OPP PPG	DIFF	Home	Road	Div	Conf	Last 10	Strk
Trail Blazers	1	0	1	124	83	41	1-0	0-0	0-0	1-0	1-0	1W
Thunder	1	0	1	116	104	12	0-0	1-0	0-0	1-0	1-0	1W
Timberwolves	1	0	1	131	106	25	0-0	1-0	0-0	0-0	1-0	1W
Jazz	0	1	0	103	123	-20	0-0	0-1	0-0	0-1	0-1	1L
Nuggets	0	0	0	0	0	0	0-0	0-0	0-0	0-0	-	-

West Pacific	W	L	PCT	PPG	OPP PPG	DIFF	Home	Road	Div	Conf	Last 10	Strk
Clippers	1	0	1	121	96	25	1-0	0-0	1-0	1-0	1-0	1W
Lakers	1	0	1	127	105	22	1-0	0-0	1-0	1-0	1-0	1W
Warriors	0	1	0	105	127	-22	0-0	0-1	0-1	0-1	0-1	1L
Kings	0	1	0	96	121	-25	0-0	0-1	0-1	0-1	0-1	1L
Suns	0	1	0	83	124	-41	0-0	0-1	0-0	0-1	0-1	1L

West Southwest	W	L	PCT	PPG	OPP PPG	DIFF	Home	Road	Div	Conf	Last 10	Strk
Rockets	1	0	1	128	110	18	1-0	0-0	1-0	1-0	1-0	1W
Grizzlies	1	0	1	123	103	20	1-0	0-0	0-0	1-0	1-0	1W
Spurs	0	1	0	104	116	-12	0-1	0-0	0-0	0-1	0-1	1L
Mavericks	0	1	0	110	128	-18	0-0	0-1	0-1	0-1	0-1	1L
Pelicans	0	1	0	120	123	-3	0-1	0-0	0-0	0-0	0-1	1L

Eastern Conference	W	L	PCT	PPG	OPP PPG	DIFF	Home	Road	Div	Conf	Last 10	Strk
Pistons	1	0	1	121	113	8	1-0	0-0	0-0	1-0	1-0	1W
Hawks	1	0	1	132	125	7	0-0	1-0	1-0	1-0	1-0	1W
76ers	1	0	1	106	100	6	0-0	1-0	1-0	1-0	1-0	1W
Raptors	1	0	1	135	92	43	1-0	0-0	0-0	1-0	1-0	1W
Wizards	1	0	1	128	116	12	1-0	0-0	0-0	1-0	1-0	1W
Hornets	1	0	1	110	103	7	0-0	1-0	0-0	1-0	1-0	1W
Pacers	1	0	1	123	120	3	0-0	1-0	0-0	0-0	1-0	1W
Knicks	0	1	0	100	106	-6	0-1	0-0	0-1	0-1	0-1	1L
Nets	0	1	0	103	110	-7	0-1	0-0	0-0	0-1	0-1	1L
Magic	0	1	0	125	132	-7	0-1	0-0	0-1	0-1	0-1	1L
Celtics	0	1	0	113	121	-8	0-0	0-1	0-0	0-1	0-1	1L
Bucks	0	1	0	116	128	-12	0-0	0-1	0-0	0-1	0-1	1L
Bulls	0	1	0	92	135	-43	0-0	0-1	0-0	0-1	0-1	1L
Heat	0	1	0	106	131	-25	0-1	0-0	0-0	0-0	0-1	1L
Cavaliers	0	0	0	0	0	0	0-0	0-0	0-0	0-0	-	-

Western Conference	W	L	PCT	PPG	OPP PPG	DIFF	Home	Road	Div	Conf	Last 10	Strk
Trail Blazers	1	0	1	124	83	41	1-0	0-0	0-0	1-0	1-0	1W
Clippers	1	0	1	121	96	25	1-0	0-0	1-0	1-0	1-0	1W
Rockets	1	0	1	128	110	18	1-0	0-0	1-0	1-0	1-0	1W
Lakers	1	0	1	127	105	22	1-0	0-0	1-0	1-0	1-0	1W
Grizzlies	1	0	1	123	103	20	1-0	0-0	0-0	1-0	1-0	1W
Thunder	1	0	1	116	104	12	0-0	1-0	0-0	1-0	1-0	1W
Timberwolves	1	0	1	131	106	25	0-0	1-0	0-0	0-0	1-0	1W
Spurs	0	1	0	104	116	-12	0-1	0-0	0-0	0-1	0-1	1L
Mavericks	0	1	0	110	128	-18	0-0	0-1	0-1	0-1	0-1	1L
Jazz	0	1	0	103	123	-20	0-0	0-1	0-0	0-1	0-1	1L
Warriors	0	1	0	105	127	-22	0-0	0-1	0-1	0-1	0-1	1L
Kings	0	1	0	96	121	-25	0-0	0-1	0-1	0-1	0-1	1L
Suns	0	1	0	83	124	-41	0-0	0-1	0-0	0-1	0-1	1L
Pelicans	0	1	0	120	123	-3	0-1	0-0	0-0	0-0	0-1	1L
Nuggets	0	0	0	0	0	0	0-0	0-0	0-0	0-0	-	-

NBA	W	L	PCT	PPG	OPP PPG	DIFF	Home	Road	Div	Conf	Last 10	Strk
Hawks	1	0	1	132	125	7	0-0	1-0	1-0	1-0	1-0	1W
Hornets	1	0	1	110	103	7	0-0	1-0	0-0	1-0	1-0	1W
Pistons	1	0	1	121	113	8	1-0	0-0	0-0	1-0	1-0	1W
Rockets	1	0	1	128	110	18	1-0	0-0	1-0	1-0	1-0	1W
Pacers	1	0	1	123	120	3	0-0	1-0	0-0	0-0	1-0	1W
Clippers	1	0	1	121	96	25	1-0	0-0	1-0	1-0	1-0	1W
Lakers	1	0	1	127	105	22	1-0	0-0	1-0	1-0	1-0	1W
Grizzlies	1	0	1	123	103	20	1-0	0-0	0-0	1-0	1-0	1W
Timberwolves	1	0	1	131	106	25	0-0	1-0	0-0	0-0	1-0	1W
Thunder	1	0	1	116	104	12	0-0	1-0	0-0	1-0	1-0	1W
76ers	1	0	1	106	100	6	0-0	1-0	1-0	1-0	1-0	1W
Trail Blazers	1	0	1	124	83	41	1-0	0-0	0-0	1-0	1-0	1W
Raptors	1	0	1	135	92	43	1-0	0-0	0-0	1-0	1-0	1W
Wizards	1	0	1	128	116	12	1-0	0-0	0-0	1-0	1-0	1W
Celtics	0	1	0	113	121	-8	0-0	0-1	0-0	0-1	0-1	1L
Nets	0	1	0	103	110	-7	0-1	0-0	0-0	0-1	0-1	1L
Bulls	0	1	0	92	135	-43	0-0	0-1	0-0	0-1	0-1	1L
Cavaliers	0	0	0	0	0	0	0-0	0-0	0-0	0-0	-	-
Mavericks	0	1	0	110	128	-18	0-0	0-1	0-1	0-1	0-1	1L
Nuggets	0	0	0	0	0	0	0-0	0-0	0-0	0-0	-	-
Warriors	0	1	0	105	127	-22	0-0	0-1	0-1	0-1	0-1	1L
Heat	0	1	0	106	131	-25	0-1	0-0	0-0	0-0	0-1	1L
Bucks	0	1	0	116	128	-12	0-0	0-1	0-0	0-1	0-1	1L
Pelicans	0	1	0	120	123	-3	0-1	0-0	0-0	0-0	0-1	1L
Knicks	0	1	0	100	106	-6	0-1	0-0	0-1	0-1	0-1	1L
Magic	0	1	0	125	132	-7	0-1	0-0	0-1	0-1	0-1	1L
Suns	0	1	0	83	124	-41	0-0	0-1	0-0	0-1	0-1	1L
Kings	0	1	0	96	121	-25	0-0	0-1	0-1	0-1	0-1	1L
Spurs	0	1	0	104	116	-12	0-1	0-0	0-0	0-1	0-1	1L
Jazz	0	1	0	103	123	-20	0-0	0-1	0-0	0-1	0-1	1L

• 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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