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

Rockets Against The Spread?

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.

Lakers Target Series Sweep

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
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

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.

Looking for Bigger Odds?

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 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 26, 02:02). Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.
Published 02:02, 26 April 2026

Player Prop Picks

Top Pick: Amen Thompson Over 17.5 Points -105 BetMGM logo

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


Marcus Smart Over 4.5 Assists -123 BetMGM logo

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

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 -4.5
Totals Over 207.5
Player Points Amen Thompson Over 17.5

Try out our same game parlay pick which starts with Rockets -4.5. We’ve also gone for Over 207.5 and Amen Thompson (Rockets) to score Over 17.5 points.

A same game parlay is a single event wager where you make predictions that are going to happen in a particular basketball game. Should a bettor get these selections correct, then they can achieve a good return from a small stake.

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 102 - 110 Rockets logo 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.

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.

Latest Moneyline Odds Suggest Rockets Victory

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.

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

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.

Player Points
LeBron James (Lakers)
Over 25.5
-114
Under 25.5
-120
BetMGM Logo
Kevin Durant (Rockets)
Over 23.5
-114
Under 23.5
-120
BetMGM Logo
Alperen Sengun (Rockets)
Over 22.5
-114
Under 22.5
-118
BetMGM Logo
Amen Thompson (Rockets)
Over 18.5
-123
Under 18.5
-110
BetMGM Logo
Player Assists
LeBron James (Lakers)
Over 8.5
-122
Under 8.5
-112
BetMGM Logo
Alperen Sengun (Rockets)
Over 6.5
-115
Under 6.5
-118
BetMGM Logo
Amen Thompson (Rockets)
Over 5.5
-109
Under 5.5
-125
BetMGM Logo
Marcus Smart (Lakers)
Over 5.5
-103
Under 5.5
-133
BetMGM Logo
Player Rebounds
Alperen Sengun (Rockets)
Over 9.5
-106
Under 9.5
-128
BetMGM Logo
Amen Thompson (Rockets)
Over 8.5
+112
Under 8.5
-154
BetMGM Logo
Deandre Ayton (Lakers)
Over 8.5
+112
Under 8.5
-152
BetMGM Logo
LeBron James (Lakers)
Over 7.5
-103
Under 7.5
-132
BetMGM Logo
Micro Betting

An increasing number of basketball bettors are now enjoying micro betting and it’s something which is available on an in-game basis. Wait for the action to start and then wager on something specific to happen.

Live market odds and lines updated regularly. All odds subject to change. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.
Best Betting Offers
Toyota Center
Toyota Center
Lakers Have Owned Recent Head-to-Heads at Toyota Center

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 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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