Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers Prediction, NBA Odds

Edgar Chaput | Updated Jan 16, 2023

NBA: Philadelphia 76ers at Los Angeles Lakers

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The Rockets will try to stick the landing against the second L.A. squad it faces in two days, the Lakers, after falling to the Clippers on Sunday afternoon.

Houston
18-55
AT
January 16, 2023, 10:30 PM ET
Staples Center
L.A. Lakers
36-37
Pointspread +6.5 -106
Moneyline +208
Over / Under o +235

17%

Betting Action

83%

Matchup NBA Odds
Pointspread -6.5 -113
Moneyline -251
Over / Under u +235

17%

Betting Action

83%

Matchup NBA Odds

In a neat scheduling twist, both the Rockets and Lakers are playing the second of back-to-backs all the while remaining in the same town. Houston was in the City and Angels to face the Clippers in the afternoon. Crypto.com Arena’s colours were subsequently changed to purple and gold for the night tilt between the Lakers and 76ers.

The NBA pundits deem the Lakers to be -5.5 favourites on the NBA odds. The over-under is established at 236.

Rockets vs. Lakers NBA Betting Odds

The meeting between these sides last March saw the Rockets overtake the Lakers 139-130. It must have tasted incredibly sweet for Houston because it put a stop to a ten-game losing streak against King James and his court. It had been two and a half years since the Rockets got the better of the Lakers! Tonight is the first of three meetings this season.

Only so much can be expected of a 10-33 squad. Not many teams show 0-10 in the “last 10 games” column in the standings. Betters beware, especially on the moneyline. Things aren’t as bad against the spread, even though they aren’t good per se. 16-24-3 suggests the team manages to keep just enough contests close, making them an occasionally interesting proposition.

L.A. isn’t too shabby ATS despite all the criticism aimed at their play. An 18-22-2 record reveals that they can be a relatively safe bet, depending on the opposition of course. There was a spark of optimism not too long ago when, just before the New Year, the Lakers began a run of five wins that ended last week against the Mavericks. They covered each spread, as well as Sunday night against Philly, despite losing.

Houston Rockets

The tilt with the Clippers was a microcosm of what it’s like being a relatively young, inexperienced team that’s still finding its way. It might sound incredulous that a 91-90 score at the end of the third quarter devolved into a 121-100 final, but such was the fate reserved for Houston.

For the first three periods, the Rockets held their own against Kawhi Leonard and company. Despite some horrendous three-point shooting (22.6 per cent), Houston muscled its way for points in the paint and tacked on efficient jump shooting. Veteran Eric Gordon led the way with 24 points, with Kenyon Martin Jr. just behind with 22 points. Even Alperen Sengun had a respectable night, pitching in 15 points of his own. But they went ice cold in the fourth, tallying a paltry 10 points to the Clippers’ 30.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Philadelphia-Los Angeles contest made for a dramatic conclusion to Sunday’s schedule. The Lakers have shown some metal as of late, even in defeat, such as last week’s double-overtime loss to the Mavs.

LeBron James, Wenyen Gabriel, and even Russell Westbrook sliced through the soft belly that was the 76ers paint defence. Philly was very sloppy in the first half, which led to multiple fast break scores for the Lakers (18 points). It genuinely looked like the Lakers were giving it their all and, to their credit, the tilt went down to the wire. Joel Embiid would have none of it, however. He hit a 13-foot jumper with 45 seconds remaining to provide Philly a four-point cushion they didn’t relinquish. Westbrook tried to be the hero with a drive to the net as the clock ticked down, but Georges Niang blocked his attempt.

NBA Prediction: Who Will Win Rockets vs. Lakers?

NBA Predictions
SportsInteraction
  • HOU
  • +6.5 -6.5
  • LAL
Matchup NBA Odds