LA Lakers
Basketball
Houston Rockets
  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: Lakers vs Rockets

The No. 4 seed LA Lakers (53-29, 25-16 away) take on the No. 5 Houston Rockets (52-30, 30-11 at home) in Game 3 of this first-round NBA Playoffs series. The Lakers lead the series 2-0.

Our Best Bet is Rockets on the Spread

We’re backing the Rockets to cover the -9.5 spread. The -105 looks like a solid price for a comfortable margin of victory against the Lakers. Back on home court, we expect Houston to bounce back, with Kevin Durant set for a stronger performance against a banged-up Lakers side missing Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

Back-to-Back Home Wins for Lakers

The LA Lakers opened the series with a 107-98 win and followed it up with a 101-94 victory over the Houston Rockets in Game 2, with both games played at Crypto.com Arena.

In Game 2, LeBron James led the Lakers with 28 points, while Marcus Smart added 25 and Luke Kennard 23. For the Rockets, Kevin Durant had 23 points, Alperen Sengun recorded 20 points and 11 rebounds, while Jabari Smith chipped in with 18.

Head-to-Head Statistics

The Lakers have won four straight against the Rockets and seven 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

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

Houston Rockets lineup: Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith, Reed Sheppard, Tari Eason, Alperen Sengun.

LA Lakers vs Houston Rockets Prediction & Picks

Step into LA Lakers vs Houston Rockets with confidence as we bring you our expert match prediction, projected scoreline, best player prop picks and a custom-built same game parlay.

Game Prediction

We’re confident the Rockets can cover the spread in this first-round matchup. The -9.5 looks like a generous line and -105 is a price worth taking for a convincing win.

Our expert NBA handicappers start by reviewing the latest team news for each franchise, followed by a close look at recent form. That information is then applied to the most relevant stats to reach a well-informed verdict.

Key Lakers vs Rockets stats:

  • The -9.5 line has been covered by Rockets in 3 of their last 5 games at home.

Rockets -9.5 Probability

According to the latest odds, our pick has a 51.3% chance of delivering a return. In the opinion of our cappers, there’s actually a probability of success between 55-60%. This bet can therefore be backed with confidence.

Looking for Bigger Odds?

In the quest to secure bigger odds, there’s the possibility of moving the line. There are plenty of choices when it comes to doing this, so you can choose the option that suits you.

Maximize your betting experience. Explore our bonus guide for the best sportsbook promo codes, free bets, and welcome offers.

Our Game Prediction
Rockets -9.5 @ -105 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 24, 00:02). Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.
Published 00:02, 24 April 2026

Player Prop Picks

Top Pick: Amen Thompson Over 17.5 Points -115 BetMGM logo

Amen Thompson (Rockets) has recorded an average of 24.75 points in the past 4 games at home. We are therefore going to choose a Player Points prop bet at odds of -115 which will hopefully see this him cover the line.

Latest Amen Thompson Player Prop Odds


Kevin Durant Over 4.5 Assists -147 BetMGM logo

Kevin Durant (Rockets) has had Over 4.5 assists in 4 straight home games. He therefore looks capable of covering the line when it comes our Player Assists bet, with odds of -147 available.

Latest Kevin Durant 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 -9.5
Totals Over 206.5
Player Points Amen Thompson Over 17.5

We’ve loaded up a same game parlay with the combined picks of Rockets -9.5, Over 206.5 and Amen Thompson (Rockets) to score Over 17.5 points.

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

Lakers Lakers logo 100 - 113 Rockets logo Rockets

We’ll take a shot on a 113-100 Rockets win in the correct score market. It’s a high-risk play, but one that potentially offers a huge return.

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

LA Lakers vs Houston Rockets 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 Have Rockets as Heavy Favorites

The Houston Rockets are -204 favorites and that means a 67% chance of winning Game 3 according to the Moneyline betting odds with the sportsbooks. For those wanting to back the LA Lakers, you will find +172 about the underdogs.

5.5 is the spread and 206.5 is the total points line. Basketball bettors regularly enjoy the opportunity to wager on the Totals. The Over 206.5 selection is available to back at -106.

If you’re wagering on basketball, we recommend heading to the top betting apps and scanning through the hundreds of team props and game lines. There’s the opportunity to bet pre-game and in-game.

Betting Lines & Odds
Kevin Durant Favorite to Get the Most Buckets

In terms of landing the most baskets, favorite Kevin Durant is available at -120 to rack up Over 23.5 points. If you want to go Under, then -114 is available.

Player Points
Kevin Durant (Rockets)
Over 23.5
-120
Under 23.5
-114
BetMGM Logo
LeBron James (Lakers)
Over 23.5
-118
Under 23.5
-114
BetMGM Logo
Alperen Sengun (Rockets)
Over 20.5
-125
Under 20.5
-109
BetMGM Logo
Amen Thompson (Rockets)
Over 18.5
-120
Under 18.5
-114
BetMGM Logo
Player Assists
LeBron James (Lakers)
Over 8.5
-118
Under 8.5
-118
BetMGM Logo
Alperen Sengun (Rockets)
Over 6.5
+120
Under 6.5
-164
BetMGM Logo
Amen Thompson (Rockets)
Over 5.5
-159
Under 5.5
+118
BetMGM Logo
Kevin Durant (Rockets)
Over 4.5
-149
Under 4.5
+110
BetMGM Logo
Player Rebounds
Deandre Ayton (Lakers)
Over 8.5
-106
Under 8.5
-128
BetMGM Logo
Alperen Sengun (Rockets)
Over 8.5
-137
Under 8.5
+102
BetMGM Logo
LeBron James (Lakers)
Over 7.5
+112
Under 7.5
-152
BetMGM Logo
Amen Thompson (Rockets)
Over 7.5
-127
Under 7.5
-108
BetMGM Logo
Micro Betting

There are always opportunities to enjoy micro betting. It’s generally the case that you will find team and player props in-game and basketball bettors can use their insight to wager on outcomes such as if the next shot will be a Two or Three-Pointer.

Live market odds and lines updated regularly. All odds subject to change. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.
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Rockets Have Collected Seven Wins in Past Ten Home Games

The Rockets have seven wins and three losses in the last 10 home games, putting up 119.50 points on average and giving up 109.30.

The Lakers have a 6-4 record in their last 10 games on the road, averaging 116.60 points on offense and surrendering 117.70 on defense.

In their most recent matchup at Toyota Center, the Lakers got the better of the Rockets 124-116. Each team has collected five wins in the last 10 head-to-head matchups at Toyota Center.

Last 10 Games W-L P PF PA O206.5 U206.5
Houston Rockets logo Houston Rockets Home Stats 8-2 228.70 121.00 107.70 9 1
LA Lakers logo LA Lakers Away Stats 6-4 234.90 116.10 118.80 10 0
  • W-L = Wins-Losses
  • P = Avg. Points
  • PF = Avg. Points For
  • PA = Avg. Points Against
  • O206.5 = Games Over 206.5 Points
  • U206.5 = Games Under 206.5 Points
Last 5 & H2H
Team Stats

Latest regular season and playoff games stats.

LA Lakers logo LA Lakers Stats
Houston Rockets logo Houston Rockets Stats
Moneyline
  • 6 wins and 4 defeats in the last 10 games
  • 6 wins and 4 defeats in the last 10 games on the road
Moneyline
  • 6 wins and 4 defeats in the last 10 games
  • 8 wins and 2 defeats in the last 10 home games
Point Spread
Point Spread
Total Points
Total Points
Team Stats - Avg/Game
Team Stats - Avg/Game
Team News

LA Lakers Player Stats & Roster

Player GP MIN TP TA PTS AST 3P REB BLK STL
LeBron James 5 39.06 111 42 22.2 8.4 1.4 7.2 0.4 1.6
Rui Hachimura 5 38.82 74 5 14.8 1.0 2.4 3.6 0.6 1.2
Luke Kennard 5 37.8 72 15 14.4 3.0 1.8 4.4 0.2 1.0

Houston Rockets Player Stats & Roster

Player GP MIN TP TA PTS AST 3P REB BLK STL
Amen Thompson 5 43.98 97 31 19.4 6.2 0.4 6.8 0.8 2.4
Jabari Smith 5 41.92 96 8 19.2 1.6 3.6 7.8 0.6 1.2
Kevin Durant 1 41 23 4 23.0 4.0 1.0 6.0 1.0 1.0

Injuries & Suspensions

LA Lakers Injury Table

Type
Name
Info

Houston Rockets Injury Table

Type
Name
Info

Starting Lineups

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

Previous LA Lakers Lineups

29 Apr NBA Playoffs
Rockets 99-93 Lakers
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

Previous Houston Rockets Lineups

29 Apr NBA Playoffs
Rockets 99-93 Lakers
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

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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