LA Lakers
Basketball Tip-off in: days hours minutes seconds
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 6 of this first-round NBA Playoffs series. The Lakers lead the series 3-2.

Side With Rockets to Cover the Spread

The Rockets can cover the -3.5 betting line when they clash with the Lakers. We’re confident of a strong showing and a wager against the spread could be the best play at odds of -118.

7 Triumphs for Lakers in Previous 10 H2H Matchups

LA Lakers and Houston Rockets clashed on Wednesday night, with the Rockets winning 99-93 at Crypto.com Arena.

The top Rockets scorer was Jabari Smith with 22 points, with Tari Eason getting 18 and Amen Thompson 15. LeBron James racked up 25 points for the Lakers, Austin Reaves had 22, with DeAndre Ayton recording 18 points and 17 rebounds.

Head-to-Head Statistics

In the past 10 games between the teams, the Lakers have won seven.

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
LA Lakers – Last 10 Games

6 wins and 4 losses in the past 10 games. The Lakers are averaging 107.5 points, 39.9 rebounds, 28.3 assists, 9.7 steals and 4.7 blocks while shooting 51.0% from the field and 72.7% from the free-throw line. The opposition average 105.4 points and 41.5 rebounds per contest.

LeBron James is averaging 21.3 points and 8.6 assists, while DeAndre Ayton averages 7.6 rebounds and Rui Hachimura 2.3 (57.5%) 3-pointers made.

Houston Rockets – Last 10 Games

The Rockets have won 6 and lost 4 of their last 10 contests. Averaging 112.7 points, 45.3 rebounds, 24.1 assists, 10.1 steals and 5.0 blocks per game while shooting 46.1% from the field and 76.9% from the free-throw line. Their opponents average 106.9 points and 36.9 rebounds.

Amen Thompson is averaging 19.7 points and 5.7 assists, while Alperen Sengun has an average of 8.8 rebounds and Jabari Smith 3.1 (39.7%) 3-pointers made.

LA Lakers vs Houston Rockets Prediction & Picks

Take in the full LA Lakers vs Houston Rockets betting outlook — from our expert match prediction and correct score pick to player prop insights and a bet builder tailored for value.

Game Prediction

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to side with Rockets on the spread at -3.5. On the face of it, this seems a generous line and odds of -118 can be backed.

Getting the lowdown on injuries and analyzing the form guide are key steps before making basketball picks. We also put strong emphasis on NBA stats, where a data-led approach often leads to smarter predictions.

Key Lakers vs Rockets stats:

  • The -3.5 line has been covered by Rockets in 7 of their last 10 games at home.
  • The -3.5 line has been covered by Rockets in 12 of their last 20 games at home.
  • The -3.5 line has been covered by Rockets in 2 consecutive games.
  • The +3.5 line hasn’t been covered by Lakers in 3 of their last 5 games on the road.
  • The +3.5 line hasn’t been covered by Lakers in 2 consecutive games.
  • The -3.5 line has been covered by Rockets in 2 consecutive games against Lakers.

Rockets -3.5 Probability

If you go by the best betting sites, our pick has a 54.1% chance of landing a return. Based on our analysts in-depth research, we calculate the actual probability to be closer to 60%. The bet can be recommended for this precise reason.

Looking for Bigger Odds?

If you’re looking for a good alternative to betting on the Rockets on the spread, then consider the Winning Margin. You can choose from a wide range of fixed intervals and odds.

Ready to boost your bet? Explore a huge selection of welcome bonuses in our regularly updated betting offers guide.

Our Game Prediction
Rockets -3.5 @ -118 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 (May 1, 02:02). Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.
Published 02:02, 01 May 2026

Player Prop Picks

Top Pick: Amen Thompson Over 17.5 Points -133 BetMGM logo

Amen Thompson (Rockets) has an average of 27.25 points in the past 4 home games. We think that the line looks really appealing at -133 for this Player Points wager as we’re expecting him to cover this total.

Latest Amen Thompson Player Prop Odds


Reed Sheppard Under 15.5 Points -114 BetMGM logo

Reed Sheppard (Rockets) has totaled an average of 12.3 points in the past 10 games. There’s every reason to expect a similar outcome here and he’s available at odds of -114 to go below the line.

Latest Reed Sheppard 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 -3.5
Totals Over 206.5
Player Points Amen Thompson Over 17.5

Our same game parlay pick is Rockets -3.5 on the spread, Over 206.5 and Amen Thompson (Rockets) to score Over 17.5 points.

A same game parlay is a fantastic way of cheering on different selections within the same basketball game. You can predict a number of outcomes and get bigger odds than a single bet. The odds can combine to great effect.

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 - 108 Rockets logo Rockets

Should you wish to go for a speculative wager, try the Rockets to win 108-102 on the correct score lines. This should be a fun bet which could potentially yield 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.

Rockets Moneyline Odds Suggest Victory

Houston Rockets are -172 favorites and that means a 63% chance of winning this NBA game according to the Moneyline betting odds with the sportsbooks. For those wanting to back LA Lakers, you will find +144 about the underdogs.

The spread currently stands at 3.5 and the total points line is 206.5. There is no denying the popularity of wagering on the Totals. The Over 206.5 selection is available to back at -110.

You can find a wide range of team props and game lines for every contest, with the top NBA sportsbooks creating lots of different options. Check out the pre-game and in-game selections before placing your bets.

Betting Lines & Odds
Austin Reaves Favorite to Score the Most Baskets

Austin Reaves is the market leader to hit the most buckets. He is priced at -114 to score Over 23.5 points. Alternatively, you can back Under at -120.

Player Points
Austin Reaves (Lakers)
Over 23.5
-114
Under 23.5
-120
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LeBron James (Lakers)
Over 22.5
-112
Under 22.5
-122
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Alperen Sengun (Rockets)
Over 20.5
-118
Under 20.5
-115
BetMGM Logo
Amen Thompson (Rockets)
Over 17.5
-133
Under 17.5
-103
BetMGM Logo
Player Assists
LeBron James (Lakers)
Over 7.5
-152
Under 7.5
+112
BetMGM Logo
Alperen Sengun (Rockets)
Over 6.5
+112
Under 6.5
-154
BetMGM Logo
Austin Reaves (Lakers)
Over 5.5
-128
Under 5.5
-106
BetMGM Logo
Amen Thompson (Rockets)
Over 5.5
+102
Under 5.5
-137
BetMGM Logo
Player Rebounds
Alperen Sengun (Rockets)
Over 9.5
-105
Under 9.5
-130
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Deandre Ayton (Lakers)
Over 8.5
-128
Under 8.5
-106
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Amen Thompson (Rockets)
Over 7.5
-100
Under 7.5
-135
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LeBron James (Lakers)
Over 6.5
-139
Under 6.5
+104
BetMGM Logo
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 Won Eight of Their Last Ten Home Games

The Rockets own a 8-2 mark in their past 10 home games, posting 121.00 points per contest while yielding 107.70.

The Lakers own a 6-4 mark in their past 10 games on the road, putting up 116.10 points on average and giving up 118.80.

The most recent Toyota Center meeting saw the Rockets claim a 115-96 win over the Lakers. Across the last 10 head-to-head meetings at Toyota Center, the Rockets have come out on top six times, with the Lakers having four wins.

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

Both teams’ confirmed lineups will be published ahead of tip-off. There is also the chance to look at the lineups from the previous 10 games.

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