Houston Rockets (22-12) vs LA Lakers (20-14)
Game Info: Sunday, January 5, 2025 at 7:00 pm (Toyota Center)
The Line: Betting Odds: Houston Rockets -5.5 / LA Lakers +5.5 — Over/Under: 224
The LA Lakers and Houston Rockets meet Sunday in NBA action at the Toyota Center. Here’s an LA Lakers vs Houston Rockets Prediction. This article will include an LA Lakers vs Houston Rockets Pick.
LA Lakers Betting Preview
The LA Lakers beat the Trail Blazers and Hawks, and they play the Mavs, Hornets, and Spurs next. The LA Lakers are averaging 112.2 points on 47.3 percent shooting and allowing 113.7 points on 47.6 percent shooting. Anthony Davis is averaging 25.8 points and 11.8 rebounds, while LeBron James is averaging 24.1 points and 7.4 rebounds. Austin Reaves is the third double-digit scorer and Rui Hachimura is grabbing 5.4 rebounds. The LA Lakers are shooting 35.2 percent from beyond the arc and 78.9 percent from the free-throw line. The LA Lakers are allowing 35.9 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 41.7 rebounds per game.
Houston Rockets Betting Preview
The Houston Rockets lost to the Celtics, beat the Mavericks, and they play the Wizards, Grizzlies, and Hawks next. The Houston Rockets are averaging 112.1 points on 44.1 percent shooting and allowing 106.4 points on 44.1 percent shooting. Jalen Green is averaging 19.6 points and 4.4 rebounds, while Alperen Sengun is averaging 18.9 points and 10.6 rebounds. Fred VanVleet is the third double-digit scorer and Dillon Brooks is grabbing 4 rebounds. The Houston Rockets are shooting 32.5 percent from beyond the arc and 77.2 percent from the free-throw line. The Houston Rockets are allowing 35.4 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 48.9 rebounds per game.
Why the Houston Rockets will win
- The Rockets have won seven of their last eight games against Western Conference opponents following a loss.
- The Lakers have lost four of their last five games at Toyota Center.
- The Rockets have covered the spread in seven of their last eight games as favorites against Western Conference opponents following a loss.
- The Lakers have failed to cover the spread in four of their last five night games at Toyota Center.
Why the Los Angeles Lakers will win
- The Lakers have won each of their last seven games against Southwest Division opponents that held a winning record.
- The Rockets have lost 11 of their last 12 night games against Lakers teams that held a winning record.
- The Lakers have covered the spread in seven of their last eight games against Western Conference opponents.
- The Rockets have failed to cover the spread in five of their last six games against teams that held a winning record.
Houston Rockets Player Facts
- Fred VanVleet ranks 8th amongst qualified players for assist:turnover ratio (4.0) this season.
- Jalen Green ranks 33rd amongst qualified players for FT% (86.0%) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Rockets rank 1st in the league for rebounds per game this season (48.9).
- The Rockets rank 1st in the league for offensive rebounds per game this season (14.2).
- The Lakers rank 28th in the league for three-point field goal attempts per game this season (33.6).
- The Lakers rank 4th in the league for opponent blocks per game this season (4.2).
LA Lakers vs Houston Rockets Prediction
It’s always interesting with the LA Lakers because they usually have a lengthy injury report and AD and LeBron are often on it. Check the injury report before betting. Assuming Davis and LeBron play, I’d grab the points with the Lakers. The Lakers are playing some of their best ball of the season, and that includes an 8-2 SU and ATS record in their last 10 games. The Houston Rockets have been more consistent, and they’re 12-6 SU at home, but they’ve been shaky lately. The Rockets blew big leads to the Timberwolves and Heat, and they’re coming off an ugly blowout loss to the Celtics. The Rockets are a young team, and it will be fascinating to see if they can get their swagger back. Again, assuming LeBron and AD are good to go, I want the Lakers and the points.