Lakers vs. Rockets Prediction: NBA Odds, Point Spread
Houston’s only got eight games under their belt, but a month ago this could’ve been touted as a battle for first — not a chance for the 8-3 Lakers to sweep the 3-5 Rockets who are nearing the West’s basement.
The Lakers are undefeated on the road in five outings in 2020–21, defeating Houston by 18 on Sunday. The Rockets are still 3-2 at home, but it won’t get any easier with round two looming.
NBA Point Spread and Betting Analysis
Entering as a four-point favourite, the Lakers covered with ease on Sunday in a 120-102 win that narrowly went under the 224 over-under. Oddsmakers are expecting a Houston bounce-back in the rematch, with the Lakers opening at -4 again and the total staying at 224.
L.A.’s covered in seven of their last 10 against the Rockets, but the real item to focus in on is the total. A Lakers road game has yet go over in 2020–21, while 13 of Houston’s last 16 home games have gone under. Houston’s right in the middle in homes points per game this season, ranking 15th with 111.6. The Lakers also haven’t been as sharp offensively on the road, ranking 21st in away points per game with 110.4.
Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James has started in every Lakers game this season, but in a way head coach Frank Vogel is still finding a way to get in some load management. James is averaging 32.5 minutes per game thus far, by far a career-low. He’s then averaging 24 points per game, James’ lowest mark since his rookie season in 2003.
Teammate Anthony Davis is in the same boat, averaging his lowest minutes since his rookie season in 2012. Davis’ 22.9 points per game is also his lowest production in seven seasons.
So, what’s the key to remaining in first place? The answer is depth. The Lakers are getting 40.2 points per game from their bench, and 14.3 from off-season addition Dennis Schroeder.
Houston Rockets
James and Davis aren’t the only stars posting lesser numbers, James Harden is too. Harden’s 26 points per game ranks 10th in the NBA but is his lowest mark in seven seasons and an eight-point drop from averaging 34.3 a year ago. Harden’s also taking five fewer shots per game this year, but is averaging nearly four additional assists per game with 11 a night so far.
It hasn’t been a winning equation for Stephen Silas’ squad, and that’s even with the breakout of centre Christian Wood. In his first year with Houston, Wood’s scoring 23.3 points and collecting 9.7 boards per game.
LAL
HOU