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 2 of this first-round NBA Playoffs series. The Lakers lead the series 1-0.

Side With Lakers Against The Spread

The Lakers are worth backing at -106, with the +4.5 spread looking generous. After a nine-point Game 1 win, Los Angeles looks well positioned to cover as underdogs, even with Kevin Durant back in action for the Rockets.

Lakers Took Game 1

Kevin Durant is expected back for the Rockets after averaging 26 points per game this season and ranking fifth on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. The Lakers, meanwhile, are without their two leading scorers, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, so others will need to step up offensively.

In Game 1 on Saturday night, the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Houston Rockets 107-98 at Crypto.com Arena.

Luke Kennard scored 27 points to lead the Lakers, while Deandre Ayton posted 19 points and 11 rebounds and LeBron James added 19 points and 13 assists. Alperen Sengun had 19 for the Rockets, with Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard scoring 17 apiece.

Head-to-Head Statistics

The Lakers have won three straight against the Rockets and seven of the last ten meetings.

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, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith, Josh Okogie, Alperen Sengun.

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

Houston Rockets vs LA Lakers Prediction & Picks

Prepare for Houston Rockets vs LA Lakers with our expert betting guide featuring a trusted match prediction, likely scoreline, key player props and a well-crafted same game parlay.

Game Prediction

We’re backing the Lakers to push for the win here and the +4.5 spread looks very appealing. At -106, the underdogs are well placed to cover against the Rockets.

Injuries are always factored in by the handicappers at Sportsgambler.com. Our basketball picks are also shaped by recent form, with up-to-date NBA stats playing a key role before any selections are locked in.

Key Rockets vs Lakers stats:

  • The +4.5 line has been covered by Lakers in 4 consecutive games.
  • The +4.5 line has been covered by Lakers in 9 of their last 10 games at home.
  • The +4.5 line has been covered by Lakers in 17 of their last 20 games.
  • The -4.5 line hasn’t been covered by Rockets in 6 of their last 10 games on the road.
  • The -4.5 line hasn’t been covered by Rockets in 12 of their last 20 games on the road.
  • The +4.5 line has been covered by Lakers in 3 consecutive games against Rockets.

Lakers +4.5 Probability

The top sportsbooks imply that our pick has a 51.5% prospect of winning. However, our analysts think that the probability sits between 55-60% taking all factors into consideration. This is why we regard this as a value wager.

Looking for Bigger Odds?

If you want to land a big potential return from a small stake, then a Bet Builder could be a good way to go. Back the Lakers against the spread in a combination with other selections.

Check out the most rewarding betting offers in our in-depth guide before your next wager. The best bonuses and free bets await.

Our Game Prediction
Lakers +4.5 @ -106 Bet Now BetMGM logo
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BetMGM Promo Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Get Bonus T&C apply. Gamble responsibly 18+
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 21, 03:02). Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.
Published 03:02, 21 April 2026

Player Prop Picks

Top Pick: Alperen Sengun Over 5.5 Assists -120 BetMGM logo

Alperen Sengun (Rockets) has recorded Over 5.5 assists in 5 straight games on the road. The line is attractive when it comes to betting on Player Assists and you can get -120 that he is able to land a return.

Latest Alperen Sengun Player Prop Odds


LeBron James Under 24.5 Points -112 BetMGM logo

LeBron James (Lakers) has scored an average of 19.75 points in the past 4 home games. There could once again be a failure on his part to cover the line and the Player Points bet can be backed at -112.

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 Lakers +4.5
Totals Over 206.5
Player Assists Alperen Sengun Over 5.5

Get in the game with a same game parlay. Our picks are Lakers to cover the +4.5 spread, Over 206.5 on the total and Alperen Sengun (Rockets) to get Over 5.5 assists.

The same game parlay option allows you to combine different outcomes within the same basketball game. You need all your predictions to be correct although bettors love to place a tailored wager on the contest which interests them most.

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 105 - 107 Lakers logo Lakers

We’re expecting a tight game and are backing a 107-105 Lakers win. The odds are huge, offering strong upside for a speculative bet.

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.

Books Giving Rockets Plenty of Respect

With a 68% chance of securing victory, the Rockets are favorites for this NBA playoffs game and the sportsbooks have Houston at betting odds of -213. The LA Lakers are regarded as a long shot to win and you can currently back them at +180.

5.5 is the spread and 207.5 is the total points line. Basketball bettors regularly enjoy the opportunity to wager on the Totals. If you’re going for Over 207.5, then the odds are -114.

There are a huge selection of game lines and team props when it comes to wagering on this fantastic league and we recommend visiting the top NBA betting sites to find the wager that matches your view on the game.

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

LeBron James is favorite when it comes to landing the most baskets. You can get -120 that he goes Over 24.5 points and -114 when it comes to Under.

Player Points
LeBron James (Lakers)
Over 24.5
-120
Under 24.5
-114
BetMGM Logo
Kevin Durant (Rockets)
Over 22.5
-125
Under 22.5
-109
BetMGM Logo
Alperen Sengun (Rockets)
Over 19.5
-110
Under 19.5
-123
BetMGM Logo
Amen Thompson (Rockets)
Over 17.5
-109
Under 17.5
-125
BetMGM Logo
Player Assists
LeBron James (Lakers)
Over 8.5
-149
Under 8.5
+110
BetMGM Logo
Alperen Sengun (Rockets)
Over 5.5
-122
Under 5.5
-112
BetMGM Logo
Kevin Durant (Rockets)
Over 4.5
-105
Under 4.5
-130
BetMGM Logo
Amen Thompson (Rockets)
Over 4.5
-159
Under 4.5
+117
BetMGM Logo
Player Rebounds
Deandre Ayton (Lakers)
Over 8.5
+106
Under 8.5
-143
BetMGM Logo
Alperen Sengun (Rockets)
Over 8.5
-114
Under 8.5
-120
BetMGM Logo
Amen Thompson (Rockets)
Over 7.5
-105
Under 7.5
-130
BetMGM Logo
LeBron James (Lakers)
Over 6.5
-135
Under 6.5
-100
BetMGM Logo
Micro Betting

There are some exciting basketball micro betting lines that are created and they are available in-game. Among them are Next Field Goal, where you select if the shot will be a two or three-pointer. The long-ball option pays better, and in today’s game, you can never discount the 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 Building a Fortress at Home

The Lakers have secured three straight wins at Crypto.com Arena. They have a 9-1 record in their last 10 home games, scoring 117.80 points per contest and conceding 107.50.

The Rockets have gone 5-5 across their last 10 games away from home, averaging 115.50 points scored and 117.30 points allowed.

The most recent Crypto.com Arena meeting saw the Lakers claim a 107-98 win over the Rockets. In their last 10 head-to-head matchups at Crypto.com Arena, the Lakers have taken nine wins compared to one for the Rockets.

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
7 Kevin Durant
10 Jabari Smith
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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