After a successful Friday night against the Timberwolves, the Los Angeles Lakers head southward to face the Houston Rockets on Sunday evening.
The contest versus Minnesota as the weekend began had many implications and LA’s good fortune saw them jump over the Timberwolves in the standings and into eighth place. As for Houston, their disappointing season winds down, but at least a glimmer of positivity shone when they defeated the Pistons on Friday.
The NBA odds place the LA has heavy -11.5 favourites, with the total tabulated at 236.0.
Lakers vs. Rockets NBA Betting Odds
In a testament to how trying times have been for the Lakers since last season, the Rockets have actually captured two of the past three meetings between the sides. That includes the most recent tilt only a few weeks ago down in Texas. Tonight’s bout is the rubber match, with each club earning a win at home so far this season.
Late March and early April is about the right time for a side fighting for a playoff spot to start kicking the intensity up a notch. Darvin Ham’s men are looking good at the moment, having conquered five of their last six challenges, including twice against sides also jostling for a place in the postseason. Performances against the spread have not been quite as thrilling at 6-4 in the last 10.
The Rockets must feel pretty good about winning Friday. After all, they had failed to do so seven consecutive times before that. Just the fact that they put in a solid effort must have been a relief. Consider that they had not covered underdog spreads of 13, 14, 12.5, and 11.6 in recent weeks. The over has cashed in five of the club’s most recent six games, although, as one can surmise, not always in Houston’s favour.
Los Angeles Lakers
The game in Minneapolis had a playoff atmosphere, which was understandable given its playoff implications. Two teams plagued with injuries all year long were finally healthy and ready to tussle for a spot in the play-in mini-tournament.
As one might expect, it was the hosts who took the initiative, leading 65-55 at halftime. While that isn’t a humungous lead (especially in today’s NBA), one would have thought that the Timberwolves, with the crowd behind them, would have done a better job at trying to put the game to bed. The precise opposite transpired. The Lakers dominated the third quarter, finding space time and again in the key for layups and dunks. LA made Minnesota’s defence look foolish more times than the home fans cared to witness. Anthony Davis was a beast, tallying 38 points and a terrific 17 boards (funnily, zero assists). A sure-fire sign that things are going well is when six other players reach double digits in points, with LeBron James in second place with 18. A 10-point halftime deficit was flipped into to 12-point victory, 123-111.
Both the aforementioned stars are listed as Day-to-Day, although ESPN reports that Davis is more likely to play.
Houston Rockets
For all intents and purposes, a game like Friday’s Pistons-Rockets matchup conjures up mixed emotions for the respective fanbases. On the one hand, winning is always fun, especially for teams that don’t do it so often. On the other hand, both franchises are in the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes. Was winning the best idea?
Whatever the case, it was Houston finally getting the monkey off its back 121-115. The game was close, with the score tied on 14 separate occasions and featuring no fewer than 23 lead changes. One got the sense that both sides’ professionalism and passion for success in the game took over any offseason ambitions, which is a nice thing to witness. Most of Detroit and Houston’s numbers were comparable, from field goal shooting to shots from long-range, and rebounds. Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green were both excellent, earning 33 and 32 points respectively. Porter Jr. was a ferocious 7-13 from three.
NBA Prediction: Who Will Win Lakers vs. Rockets?
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
| time | fav | line | total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening 2 Apr 1:02pm | LAL | -11.5 -110 | O +233 -110 |
| Closing 2 Apr 10:36pm | LAL | -12 -110 | O +236 -110 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Lakers Team Leaders
| Points |
28.91 |
| Assists |
6.82 |
| Rebounds |
12.54 |
| FG% |
75 |
| Steals |
1.15 |
| Blocks |
2.04 |
| Points |
22.14 |
| Assists |
5.73 |
| Rebounds |
9.04 |
| FG% |
68.3 |
| Steals |
1.39 |
| Blocks |
0.94 |
| Points |
24.5 |
| Assists |
6.5 |
| Rebounds |
14.06 |
| FG% |
55.7 |
| Steals |
1.38 |
| Blocks |
3.13 |
| Points | |
| Assists | |
| Rebounds | Did not qualify |
| FG% | |
| Steals | |
| Blocks |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Rockets Team Leaders
| Points |
28.91 |
| Assists |
6.82 |
| Rebounds |
12.54 |
| FG% |
75 |
| Steals |
1.15 |
| Blocks |
2.04 |
| Points |
22.14 |
| Assists |
5.73 |
| Rebounds |
9.04 |
| FG% |
68.3 |
| Steals |
1.39 |
| Blocks |
0.94 |
| Points |
24.5 |
| Assists |
6.5 |
| Rebounds |
14.06 |
| FG% |
55.7 |
| Steals |
1.38 |
| Blocks |
3.13 |
| Points | |
| Assists | |
| Rebounds | Did not qualify |
| FG% | |
| Steals | |
| Blocks |
Injuries
Anthony Davis (PF)
Anthony Davis (PF)
Anthony Davis (PF)
Anthony Davis (PF)
Anthony Davis (PF)
Anthony Davis (PF)
Anthony Davis (PF)
Anthony Davis (PF)
Anthony Davis (PF)
Anthony Davis (PF)
Kevin Porter Jr. (SG)
Ty Jerome (SG)
Kenyon Martin Jr. (PF)
Kenyon Martin Jr. (PF)
Frank Kaminsky (PF)
Jae'Sean Tate (SF)
Jae'Sean Tate (SF)
Kevin Porter Jr. (SG)
Jae'Sean Tate (SF)
TyTy Washington Jr. (PG)
Injuries
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthony Davis (PF) | Prob Mon | Foot - 21 / 05 / 23 | 1-1 | 1-1 | + - |
|
Davis is nursing a right foot stress injury, but it is not expected to impact his status versus the Nuggets in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals. |
|||||
| Anthony Davis (PF) | Prob Sat | Foot - 19 / 05 / 23 | 2-1 | 2-1 | + - |
|
Davis is tending to a right foot stress injury, but he is predicted to be available for Game 3 of the Western Conference finals versus the Nuggets. |
|||||
| Anthony Davis (PF) | Prob Thurs | Foot - 17 / 05 / 23 | 3-1 | 3-1 | + - |
|
Davis is managing a right foot stress injury, but he is expected to dress for Game 2 of the Western Conference finals versus the Nuggets. |
|||||
| Anthony Davis (PF) | Prob Tues | Foot - 15 / 05 / 23 | 3-1 | 3-1 | + - |
|
Davis is managing a right foot stress injury, but he is expected to dress for Game 1 of the Western Conference finals versus the Nuggets. |
|||||
| Anthony Davis (PF) | Prob Fri | Foot - 11 / 05 / 23 | 4-2 | 4-2 | + - |
|
Davis is tending to a right foot stress injury, but it is anticipated that he will suit up for Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Warriors. |
|||||
| Anthony Davis (PF) | Prob Wed | Foot - 09 / 05 / 23 | 5-2 | 4-3 | + - |
|
Davis is dealing with a right foot stress injury, but it is projected that that he will dress for Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals versus the Warriors. |
|||||
| Anthony Davis (PF) | Prob Mon | Foot - 07 / 05 / 23 | 5-3 | 5-3 | + - |
|
Davis is dealing with a right foot stress injury, but it is projected that that he will dress for Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals versus the Warriors. |
|||||
| Anthony Davis (PF) | Prob Sat | Foot - 05 / 05 / 23 | 6-3 | 6-3 | + - |
|
Davis is dealing with a right foot stress injury, but he is forecasted to be available versus the Warriors in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals. |
|||||
| Anthony Davis (PF) | Prob Thurs | Foot - 03 / 05 / 23 | 7-3 | 6-4 | + - |
|
Davis is dealing with a right foot stress injury, but it is anticipated that he will dress for Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals versus the Warriors. |
|||||
| Anthony Davis (PF) | Prob Tues | Foot - 01 / 05 / 23 | 7-3 | 6-4 | + - |
|
Davis is nursing a right foot stress injury, but it is not expected to impact his availability for Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Warriors. |
|||||
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kevin Porter Jr. (SG) | Out Sun | Knee - 08 / 04 / 23 | 0-1 | 0-1 | + - |
|
Porter is nursing right knee soreness, and he will not be available for Sunday's clash with the Wizards. |
|||||
| Ty Jerome (SG) | Prob Mon | Illness - 07 / 04 / 23 | 1-1 | 0-2 | + - |
|
Jerome is nursing an illness, but it is anticipated that he will play against the Kings in Game 2 of the Western Conference first round. |
|||||
| Kenyon Martin Jr. (PF) | Prob Fri | Undisclosed - 05 / 04 / 23 | 1-1 | 0-2 | + - |
|
Martin Jr. was forced from the last contest with an undefined issue, but it is anticipated that he will take part in Friday's clash versus the Hornets. |
|||||
| Kenyon Martin Jr. (PF) | Prob Fri | Hip - 30 / 03 / 23 | 2-2 | 3-2 | + - |
|
Martin Jr. has a strained left hip flexor, but it is not expected to impact his status for Friday's contest versus the Pistons. |
|||||
| Frank Kaminsky (PF) | Ques Sun | Migraine - 23 / 03 / 23 | 3-5 | 6-3 | + - |
|
Kaminsky was absent from the last match due to a migraine, leaving his availability for Sunday's clash against the Cavaliers up in the air. |
|||||
| Jae'Sean Tate (SF) | Out indefinitely | Knee - 21 / 03 / 23 | 3-6 | 6-4 | + - |
|
Tate is out of action due to left knee soreness, and team officials have yet to provide an exact return date. |
|||||
| Jae'Sean Tate (SF) | Out Mon | Rest - 20 / 03 / 23 | 3-7 | 6-5 | + - |
|
Tate will not be active for Monday's battle with the Warriors as he will receive a day of rest. |
|||||
| Kevin Porter Jr. (SG) | Prob Sat | Thigh - 08 / 03 / 23 | 8-8 | 9-9 | + - |
|
Porter was absent from the previous game due to a thigh contusion, but it it anticipated that he will face off with the Bulls on Saturday. |
|||||
| Jae'Sean Tate (SF) | Out Sat | Ankle - 03 / 03 / 23 | 9-9 | 10-10 | + - |
|
Tate will not dress for Saturday's battle with the Spurs as he will be given a day of rest. |
|||||
| TyTy Washington Jr. (PG) | Ques Sat | Migraine - 01 / 03 / 23 | 9-11 | 12-10 | + - |
|
Washington exited the previous match due to a migraine, and it remains to be seen whether this will impact his status Saturday against the Spurs. |
|||||
-
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
time fav line total Opening 2 Apr 1:02pm LAL -11.5 -110 O +233 -110 Closing 2 Apr 10:36pm LAL -12 -110 O +236 -110 -
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Lakers Team Leaders
Points 28.91
Assists 6.82
Rebounds 12.54
FG% 75
Steals 1.15
Blocks 2.04
Points 22.14
Assists 5.73
Rebounds 9.04
FG% 68.3
Steals 1.39
Blocks 0.94
Points 24.5
Assists 6.5
Rebounds 14.06
FG% 55.7
Steals 1.38
Blocks 3.13
Points Assists Rebounds Did not qualify FG% Steals Blocks -
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Rockets Team Leaders
Points 28.91
Assists 6.82
Rebounds 12.54
FG% 75
Steals 1.15
Blocks 2.04
Points 22.14
Assists 5.73
Rebounds 9.04
FG% 68.3
Steals 1.39
Blocks 0.94
Points 24.5
Assists 6.5
Rebounds 14.06
FG% 55.7
Steals 1.38
Blocks 3.13
Points Assists Rebounds Did not qualify FG% Steals Blocks -
Injuries
Anthony Davis (PF)
Prob Mon Foot - 21 / 05 / 23Anthony Davis (PF)
Prob Sat Foot - 19 / 05 / 23Anthony Davis (PF)
Prob Thurs Foot - 17 / 05 / 23Anthony Davis (PF)
Prob Tues Foot - 15 / 05 / 23Anthony Davis (PF)
Prob Fri Foot - 11 / 05 / 23Anthony Davis (PF)
Prob Wed Foot - 09 / 05 / 23Anthony Davis (PF)
Prob Mon Foot - 07 / 05 / 23Anthony Davis (PF)
Prob Sat Foot - 05 / 05 / 23Anthony Davis (PF)
Prob Thurs Foot - 03 / 05 / 23Anthony Davis (PF)
Prob Tues Foot - 01 / 05 / 23Kevin Porter Jr. (SG)
Out Sun Knee - 08 / 04 / 23Ty Jerome (SG)
Prob Mon Illness - 07 / 04 / 23Kenyon Martin Jr. (PF)
Prob Fri Undisclosed - 05 / 04 / 23Kenyon Martin Jr. (PF)
Prob Fri Hip - 30 / 03 / 23Frank Kaminsky (PF)
Ques Sun Migraine - 23 / 03 / 23Jae'Sean Tate (SF)
Out indefinitely Knee - 21 / 03 / 23Jae'Sean Tate (SF)
Out Mon Rest - 20 / 03 / 23Kevin Porter Jr. (SG)
Prob Sat Thigh - 08 / 03 / 23Jae'Sean Tate (SF)
Out Sat Ankle - 03 / 03 / 23TyTy Washington Jr. (PG)
Ques Sat Migraine - 01 / 03 / 23Injuries
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Anthony Davis (PF) Prob Mon Foot - 21 / 05 / 23 1-1 1-1 + - Davis is nursing a right foot stress injury, but it is not expected to impact his status versus the Nuggets in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals.
Anthony Davis (PF) Prob Sat Foot - 19 / 05 / 23 2-1 2-1 + - Davis is tending to a right foot stress injury, but he is predicted to be available for Game 3 of the Western Conference finals versus the Nuggets.
Anthony Davis (PF) Prob Thurs Foot - 17 / 05 / 23 3-1 3-1 + - Davis is managing a right foot stress injury, but he is expected to dress for Game 2 of the Western Conference finals versus the Nuggets.
Anthony Davis (PF) Prob Tues Foot - 15 / 05 / 23 3-1 3-1 + - Davis is managing a right foot stress injury, but he is expected to dress for Game 1 of the Western Conference finals versus the Nuggets.
Anthony Davis (PF) Prob Fri Foot - 11 / 05 / 23 4-2 4-2 + - Davis is tending to a right foot stress injury, but it is anticipated that he will suit up for Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Warriors.
Anthony Davis (PF) Prob Wed Foot - 09 / 05 / 23 5-2 4-3 + - Davis is dealing with a right foot stress injury, but it is projected that that he will dress for Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals versus the Warriors.
Anthony Davis (PF) Prob Mon Foot - 07 / 05 / 23 5-3 5-3 + - Davis is dealing with a right foot stress injury, but it is projected that that he will dress for Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals versus the Warriors.
Anthony Davis (PF) Prob Sat Foot - 05 / 05 / 23 6-3 6-3 + - Davis is dealing with a right foot stress injury, but he is forecasted to be available versus the Warriors in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals.
Anthony Davis (PF) Prob Thurs Foot - 03 / 05 / 23 7-3 6-4 + - Davis is dealing with a right foot stress injury, but it is anticipated that he will dress for Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals versus the Warriors.
Anthony Davis (PF) Prob Tues Foot - 01 / 05 / 23 7-3 6-4 + - Davis is nursing a right foot stress injury, but it is not expected to impact his availability for Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Warriors.
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Kevin Porter Jr. (SG) Out Sun Knee - 08 / 04 / 23 0-1 0-1 + - Porter is nursing right knee soreness, and he will not be available for Sunday's clash with the Wizards.
Ty Jerome (SG) Prob Mon Illness - 07 / 04 / 23 1-1 0-2 + - Jerome is nursing an illness, but it is anticipated that he will play against the Kings in Game 2 of the Western Conference first round.
Kenyon Martin Jr. (PF) Prob Fri Undisclosed - 05 / 04 / 23 1-1 0-2 + - Martin Jr. was forced from the last contest with an undefined issue, but it is anticipated that he will take part in Friday's clash versus the Hornets.
Kenyon Martin Jr. (PF) Prob Fri Hip - 30 / 03 / 23 2-2 3-2 + - Martin Jr. has a strained left hip flexor, but it is not expected to impact his status for Friday's contest versus the Pistons.
Frank Kaminsky (PF) Ques Sun Migraine - 23 / 03 / 23 3-5 6-3 + - Kaminsky was absent from the last match due to a migraine, leaving his availability for Sunday's clash against the Cavaliers up in the air.
Jae'Sean Tate (SF) Out indefinitely Knee - 21 / 03 / 23 3-6 6-4 + - Tate is out of action due to left knee soreness, and team officials have yet to provide an exact return date.
Jae'Sean Tate (SF) Out Mon Rest - 20 / 03 / 23 3-7 6-5 + - Tate will not be active for Monday's battle with the Warriors as he will receive a day of rest.
Kevin Porter Jr. (SG) Prob Sat Thigh - 08 / 03 / 23 8-8 9-9 + - Porter was absent from the previous game due to a thigh contusion, but it it anticipated that he will face off with the Bulls on Saturday.
Jae'Sean Tate (SF) Out Sat Ankle - 03 / 03 / 23 9-9 10-10 + - Tate will not dress for Saturday's battle with the Spurs as he will be given a day of rest.
TyTy Washington Jr. (PG) Ques Sat Migraine - 01 / 03 / 23 9-11 12-10 + - Washington exited the previous match due to a migraine, and it remains to be seen whether this will impact his status Saturday against the Spurs.