Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Lakers betting tips and predictions for Wednesday’s NBA game at Toyota Center. A high scoring game is expected in Houston tonight as the Lakers come to town hoping to win their 5th game in 6 outings. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Houston Rockets
The struggling Rockets did the impossible in their last game as they beat the Boston Celtics at home, despite being 13-point underdogs in that game. It was their 3rd win in 6 games, they are showing signs of life as we enter the final 15 games or so of the season.
That might actually be counter productive for them though, as it could hinder their chances of landing the number one pick in the draft, if they continue winning games. Kevin Porter Jr. is expected to be back in the line-up following a minor knee injury, he’s 2nd on the team in scoring with an average of 18.4 points per game. Houston’s record of 3-14 SU in their last 17 games isn’t flattering at all, they’ve also covered the spread just once in 6 home meetings with the Lakers.
Los Angeles Lakers
A dream scenario unfolded last night for the Lakers as they beat the New Orleans Pelicans 123-108. They were up by 35 points at half-time, thanks to a franchise record 15 threes they hit in the opening 24 minutes of play. Anthony Davis also had a monster game against his former team with 35 points and 17 rebounds, however he is expected to miss tonight’s game as it’s a 2nd night of a back-to-back and the Lakers don’t want to risk him getting injured.
LA is 11-1 SU in the last 12 games vs Houston, they’ve also covered 8 times during that stretch so their chances of winning tonight are pretty good even if AD doesn’t play. The play of D’Angelo Russell has been a highlight over the last 5 games as he’s putting up 20.2 points per game in just 27.1 minutes a night, he is expected to lead the charge in AD’s absence.
I’m actually surprised the Lakers are just 2.5 point favorites here. They are by far the better team, plus unlike Houston they actually have something to play for here. Back LA to get a win and be .500 for the first time since October.
Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Lakers Predictions & Odds
Scoring has gone down quite a bit in recent Lakers games, but with their center out of the line-up they should try and speed things up here. We witnessed them score 18 threes last night in the win over the Pelicans, their 3rd game in a row with 12 or more threes which is really encouraging as that’s one of their main flaws on offense this season.
On the road LA is 20-15 on the O/U for the season, the first time they played the Rockets we saw absolutely no defense played and 272 points scored without overtime. Houston isn’t exactly all that efficient on offense, but they more than make up for it by playing a fast tempo. Their defense is only 29th in efficiency allowing 116.5 points per 100 possessions. They too have been red-hot from three-point land lately so if both teams can keep that up we’re in for a high scoring game here. I say we back the over in this one.
