A high-profile Western Conference showdown headlines Tuesday night’s NBA action. LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers head to the Lone Star State to take on James Harden and the Houston Rockets. While this game may be a rematch of last year’s playoff series, the two teams look very different in terms of personnel this season compared to last. The NBA betting odds for this Lakers vs Rockets game give the edge to the defending champs on the road.
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Lakers vs Rockets Game Info
Los Angeles Lakers (4-4, 3-2 Away) at Houston Rockets (5-3, 4-0 Home)
Date: Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021
Venue: Toyota Center – Houston, TX
Start Time: 8 p.m. EST
TV: NBA TV
Lakers vs Rockets NBA Betting Odds
Odds courtesy of Bovada Sportsbook
Moneyline: LAL: (-190) | HOU: (+165)
Spread: LAL: -4.5 (-110) | HOU: +4.5 (-110)
Total: 222 – Over (-110) | Under (-110)
Lakers vs Rockets NBA Betting Overview
Lakers Outlook
It’s rare that an NBA Finals champion gets better in the offseason (even Kevin Durant joined the Golden State Warriors after they fell short of winning the title), but that is arguably just what the Lakers have done. LeBron James and Anthony Davis remain the top dogs, but the supporting cast has markedly improved compared to last year’s team.
Los Angeles can now count on stable scoring and rebound production from reigning NBA Sixth Man of the Year Montrezl Harrell. James no longer has to pilot the offense from the point by himself with the addition of assist machine Dennis Schroder. Marc Gasol continues to provide a physical presence on the glass down low. And holdovers Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Kyle Kuzma are showing promising growth early on this season as well. Be sure to monitor the injury report ahead of this game for NBA betting purposes. Both Davis and James have been regular game-time decisions of late.
Lakers Injury Report
- Out: Wesley Matthews (Achilles)
- Out: Jared Dudley (calf)
- Questionable: Anthony Davis (hip)
- Questionable: LeBron James (ankle)
- Probable: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (ankle)
Rockets Outlook
For all the turnover and transition that the Rockets underwent in the offseason, it’s clear that this Houston team still has what it takes to be competitive in the now. The offseason point guard trade of Russell Westbrook for John Wall has been far from a loss. Wall has been productive since making his return to the court and the Rockets also gained a first-round pick in the deal.
Of course, Houston goes as far as James Harden will take them. There’s a real possibility that Harden won’t be a Rocket by the end of the season, but he continues to fill the stat sheet on a nightly basis for the time being. Landing center Christian Wood has been a major boost for first-year coach Stephen Silas. Despite dealing with a knee injury, Wood has surpassed 20 points in every game he’s played in this season. Despite the positives, NBA betting results have exposed Houston’s lack of depth behind their starting core.
Rockets Injury Report
- Out: Brodric Thomas (ankle)
- Out: Chris Clemons
- Questionable: John Wall (migraine)
- Questionable: Eric Gordon (leg tightness)
Lakers vs Rockets NBA Betting Trends
- Lakers 2020-21 Betting Trends: 5-6 ATS; 3-8 to the Over
- Rockets 2020-21 Betting Trends: 3-5 ATS; 3-4-1 to the Over
Lakers vs Rockets Statistics
- Los Angeles is averaging 114.5 points per game this season (No. 8 in the NBA)
- Los Angeles is surrendering 106.2 points per game on the season (No. 4 in the NBA)
- Houston is averaging 112.8 points per game this season (No. 13 in the NBA)
- Houston is surrendering 112.8 points per game this season (Tied for No. 20 in the NBA)
Lakers vs Rockets Prop Bet
Total 3-Point Field Goals Made: Over 24.5 (-143 at Bovada Sportsbook)
In Sunday’s meeting between the Lakers and Rockets, the two teams combined to hit only 22 3-pointers. I’m expecting a few more long-range shots to fall on Tuesday and like the Over in this total 3-pointers NBA player prop. On the season, the Lakers are the sixth-best 3-point shooting team in the NBA, hitting at a 38.5% clip. While the Rockets are shooting a far lower percentage at 34.3%, look no further than Sunday’s box score to see that Houston takes far more shots from beyond the arc than the majority of teams.
Sunday’s shooting percentages saw L.A. connect on 34.3% of their shots from deep and Houston just 29.3%. Both of those percentages come in well below the teams’ season averages. With some positive regression likely to come, Over 24.5 3-pointers is the play for me.
