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

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 4 of this first-round NBA Playoffs series. The Lakers lead the series 3-0.

The Rockets are worth backing against the spread at -4.5, with our prediction that a desperate Houston team can secure a comfortable margin of victory over the Lakers at -114. The line looks very playable in this spot.

LA opened the series with a 107-98 win and followed it up with a 101-94 victory in Game 2. The Lakers then made it three straight, edging the Rockets 112-108 in overtime at Toyota Center two nights ago.

In Game 3, LeBron James led the Lakers with 29 points and 13 rebounds, while Rui Hachimura added 22 and Marcus Smart had 21 points and 10 assists. For the Rockets, Alperen Sengun totaled 33 points and 16 rebounds, Amen Thompson recorded 26 points and 11 rebounds, and Jabari Smith scored 24.

Head-to-Head Statistics

The Lakers are on a five-game winning streak against the Rockets and have won seven of the last 10 meetings.

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

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

Get ready for LA Lakers vs Houston Rockets with all the betting angles covered, from an expert match prediction and correct score advice to player props and a custom same game parlay.

Game Prediction

Get with Rockets with a -4.5 spread. We like this pick and are backing the favorites at odds of -114 to enjoy a solid victory in this NBA first-round showdown.

The NBA experts at Sportsgambler.com start by analyzing recent form and staying on top of injury news before making any basketball predictions. From there, we interpret the story the stats are telling to help shape our picks.

Key Lakers vs Rockets stats:

• The -4.5 line has been covered by Rockets in 6 of their last 10 games at home.
• The -4.5 line has been covered by Rockets in 3 of their last 5 games at home.

Rockets -4.5 Probability

According to the latest betting odds, our pick has a 53.2% chance of winning. Our cappers think there’s a stronger chance of success and calculate the probability to be closer to 60%. It’s why we think it’s worth placing this wager.

If you want to secure a bigger possible payout on your wager, there’s the option to move the line. Take a look at the various prices and see which spread you think will be covered.

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Our Game Prediction

Rockets -4.5 @ -114 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 26, 02:02). Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Player Prop Picks

Top Pick: Amen Thompson Over 17.5 Points -105

Amen Thompson (Rockets) has an average of 26.75 points in the past 4 home games. There’s an opportunity to wager on Player Points and the line looks attractive, with -105 available that it’s covered.

Latest Amen Thompson Player Prop Odds

Points

Over 18.5

-123

Under 18.5

-110

Assists

Over 5.5

-109

Under 5.5

-125

Rebounds

Over 8.5

+112

Under 8.5

-154

---

Marcus Smart Over 4.5 Assists -123

Marcus Smart (Lakers) has covered the 4.5 assists total in 5 straight games. We can therefore place a Player Assists bet at -123 with confidence, with our pick expected to cover the line.

Latest Marcus Smart Player Prop Odds

Points

Over 13.5

-108

Under 13.5

-127

Assists

Over 5.5

-103

Under 5.5

-133

Rebounds

Over 2.5

-159

Under 2.5

+116

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 102 - 110 Rockets

The Rockets will be looking to bounce back with a win and a 110-102 scoreline could be along the right lines. There are huge odds available on this correct score, making it an appealing option for those chasing a big return.

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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.

The Rockets are regarded as having a 61% chance of winning this NBA game according to the latest betting odds. The sportsbooks have priced them up at -159. For those wanting to oppose Houston, you can get +134 about the Lakers.

There is a spread of 3.5 and total points has a line of 205.5. Having a bet on the Totals is one of the most popular basketball wagers. If you're keen on Over 205.5, this selection is available at -112.

Consider every angle when placing your bets. The best basketball betting sites offer a huge selection of game lines and team props and it’s all about finding a wager which matches your prediction of the game.

Moneyline

Lakers

+134

Rockets

-159

Point Spread

Lakers +3.5

-108

Rockets -3.5

-112

Total Points

Under 205.5

-108

Over 205.5

-112

LeBron James is the favorite to score most points. Odds of -114 can be found for him scoring Over 25.5 points and there is -120 for him to go Under.

LeBron James (Lakers)

Over 25.5

-114

Under 25.5

-120

Kevin Durant (Rockets)

Over 23.5

-114

Under 23.5

-120

Alperen Sengun (Rockets)

Over 22.5

-114

Under 22.5

-118

Amen Thompson (Rockets)

Over 18.5

-123

Under 18.5

-110

Reed Sheppard (Rockets)

Over 17.5

-122

Under 17.5

-112

Jabari Smith Jr (Rockets)

Over 17.5

-115

Under 17.5

-118

Luke Kennard (Lakers)

Over 14.5

-127

Under 14.5

-108

Rui Hachimura (Lakers)

Over 14.5

-105

Under 14.5

-130

Tari Eason (Rockets)

Over 13.5

-132

Under 13.5

-104

Marcus Smart (Lakers)

Over 13.5

-108

Under 13.5

-127

Deandre Ayton (Lakers)

Over 11.5

-118

Under 11.5

-115

Jaxson Hayes (Lakers)

Over 6.5

-103

Under 6.5

-133

LeBron James (Lakers)

Over 8.5

-122

Under 8.5

-112

Alperen Sengun (Rockets)

Over 6.5

-115

Under 6.5

-118

Amen Thompson (Rockets)

Over 5.5

-109

Under 5.5

-125

Marcus Smart (Lakers)

Over 5.5

-103

Under 5.5

-133

Kevin Durant (Rockets)

Over 4.5

-141

Under 4.5

+104

Reed Sheppard (Rockets)

Over 4.5

-123

Under 4.5

-110

Luke Kennard (Lakers)

Over 3.5

-114

Under 3.5

-120

Alperen Sengun (Rockets)

Over 9.5

-106

Under 9.5

-128

Amen Thompson (Rockets)

Over 8.5

+112

Under 8.5

-154

Deandre Ayton (Lakers)

Over 8.5

+112

Under 8.5

-152

LeBron James (Lakers)

Over 7.5

-103

Under 7.5

-132

Jabari Smith Jr (Rockets)

Over 7.5

-100

Under 7.5

-135

Tari Eason (Rockets)

Over 7.5

+102

Under 7.5

-139

Kevin Durant (Rockets)

Over 4.5

-167

Under 4.5

+123

Luke Kennard (Lakers)

Over 4.5

+102

Under 4.5

-137

Reed Sheppard (Rockets)

Over 3.5

-125

Under 3.5

-109

Rui Hachimura (Lakers)

Over 3.5

-147

Under 3.5

+108

Jaxson Hayes (Lakers)

Over 3.5

-164

Under 3.5

+120

Marcus Smart (Lakers)

Over 2.5

-159

Under 2.5

+116

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The Rockets have seven wins and three losses in the last 10 games at home, averaging 121.10 points on offense and surrendering 110.50 on defense.

The Lakers own a 7-3 mark in their past 10 games on the road, posting 116.50 points per contest while yielding 116.50.

The last time these teams met at Toyota Center, the Lakers came out on top 112-108 against the Rockets. In the last 10 head-to-head meetings at Toyota Center, each team has earned five victories.

Last 10 Games		W-L	P	PF	PA	O206.5	U206.5
Houston Rockets Home Stats		8-2	228.70	121.00	107.70	9	1
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

Latest regular season and playoff games stats.

LA Lakers Stats

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

• +3.5 Betting Line: Have covered the spread in 6 of the last 10 games
• +3.5 Betting Line on the Road: Have covered the spread in 7 of the last 10 games on the road

Point Spread

• -3.5 Betting Line: Have covered the spread in 5 of the last 10 games
• -3.5 Betting Line at Home: Have covered the spread in 7 of the last 10 home games

Total Points

• Game Totals: An average of 212.90 pts in the previous 10 games
• Game Totals on the Road: An average of 234.90 pts in the previous 10 games on the road
• Over 206.5: Covered in 6 of the previous 10 games
• Over 206.5 on the Road: Covered in the previous 10 games on the road
• Team Totals: Have scored an average of 107.50 pts and allowed 105.40 pts in the last 10 games
• Team Totals on the Road: Have scored an average of 116.10 pts and allowed 118.80 pts in the last 10 games on the road

Total Points

• Game Totals: An average of 219.60 pts in the previous 10 games
• Game Totals at Home: An average of 228.70 pts in the previous 10 home games
• Over 206.5: Covered in 7 of the previous 10 games
• Over 206.5 at Home: Covered in 9 of the previous 10 home games
• Team Totals: Have scored an average of 112.70 pts and allowed 106.90 pts in the last 10 games
• Team Totals at Home: Have scored an average of 121.00 pts and allowed 107.70 pts in the last 10 home games

Team Stats - Avg/Game

Last 10 Games

• 2-Pointers Made: 29.10 (57%)
• 3-Pointers Made: 10.30 (39%)
• Free Throws Made: 18.40 (72.73%)
• Rebounds: Total 39.9, Offensive 8.60, Defensive 31.30
• Assists: 28.30
• Blocks: 4.70
• Steals: 9.70
• Turnovers : 16.00
• Personal Fouls: 19.40

Last 10 Games on the Road

• 2-Pointers Made: 31.90 (60%)
• 3-Pointers Made: 10.20 (36%)
• Free Throws Made: 21.70 (75.61%)
• Rebounds: Total 40.4, Offensive 9.40, Defensive 31.00
• Assists: 27.30
• Blocks: 4.90
• Steals: 9.20
• Turnovers : 15.10
• Personal Fouls: 18.90

Team Stats - Avg/Game

Last 10 Games

• 2-Pointers Made: 30.40 (54%)
• 3-Pointers Made: 11.10 (33%)
• Free Throws Made: 18.60 (76.86%)
• Rebounds: Total 45.3, Offensive 15.30, Defensive 30.00
• Assists: 24.10
• Blocks: 5.00
• Steals: 10.10
• Turnovers : 13.40
• Personal Fouls: 20.00

Last 10 Home Games

• 2-Pointers Made: 31.30 (57%)
• 3-Pointers Made: 13.00 (38%)
• Free Throws Made: 19.40 (76.08%)
• Rebounds: Total 46.1, Offensive 13.00, Defensive 33.10
• Assists: 27.40
• Blocks: 5.00
• Steals: 9.50
• Turnovers : 12.30
• Personal Fouls: 16.50

Injuries & Suspensions

Starting Lineups

Houston Rockets Confirmed Lineup

1 Amen Thompson

10 Jabari Smith

15 Reed Sheppard

17 Tari Eason

28 Alperen Sengun

LA Lakers Confirmed Lineup

5 DeAndre Ayton

10 Luke Kennard

23 LeBron James

28 Rui Hachimura

36 Marcus Smart

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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