| MATCHUP | Los Angeles Lakers | Houston Rockets |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 53-29 | 52-30 |
| Spread | +4.5 -105 | -4.5 -115 |
| Moneyline | +154 | -185 |
| Total | Over 207.5 (-110) | Under 207.5 (-110) |
| Where | Toyota Center (Houston), Houston, TX | |
| When | Sunday, April 26, 2026 | |
| Time | 09:30 PM EDT | |
| TV | NBC | |
LA Lakers Betting Preview
The LA Lakers look for a sweep and to get out of the first round for the first time since the 2022-23 season. The Lakers have won 19 of their last 23 games.
The LA Lakers are averaging 106.7 points on 51.2 percent shooting and allowing 100 points on 39.6 percent shooting. LeBron James is averaging 25.3 points and 9.7 rebounds, while Luke Kennard is averaging 21.3 points and 5.3 rebounds. Marcus Smart is the third double-digit scorer, and Rui Hachimura is grabbing 3.7 rebounds. The LA Lakers are shooting 46.1 percent from beyond the arc and 73.3 percent from the free-throw line. The LA Lakers are allowing 28.7 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 39 rebounds per game.
Houston Rockets Betting Preview
The Houston Rockets look to save their season and force a game 5 on Wednesday. The Rockets have won 11 of their last 18 games.
The Houston Rockets are averaging 100 points on 39.6 percent shooting and allowing 106.7 points on 51.2 percent shooting. Alperen Sengun is averaging 24 points and 11.7 rebounds, while Kevin Durant is averaging 23 points and 6 rebounds. Amen Thompson is the third double-digit scorer, and Jabari Smith Jr. is grabbing 8 rebounds. The Houston Rockets are shooting 28.7 percent from beyond the arc and 73.1 percent from the free-throw line. The Houston Rockets are allowing 46.1 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 45 rebounds per game.
Why the Houston Rockets will win
- The Lakers have lost seven of their last eight Western Conference First Round road games.
- The Rockets have won 13 of their last 15 home games after losing as favorites.
- The Lakers have failed to cover the spread in five of their last six games as road underdogs after coming off overtime.
- The Rockets have covered the spread in five of their last six night games at Toyota Center after coming off overtime.
Why the Los Angeles Lakers will win
- The Lakers have won each of their last 10 games against Western Conference opponents after winning as underdogs.
- The Rockets have lost each of their last four Western Conference First Round games as favorites.
- The Lakers have covered the spread in each of their last eight games against the Rockets following a win.
- The Rockets have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six games at Toyota Center against Western Conference opponents that held a winning record.
Total Points: Facts
- Six of the Rockets’ last seven games as home favorites have gone OVER the total points line.
- Four of the Lakers’ last five road games have gone OVER the total points line.
Houston Rockets Player Facts
- Jabari Smith Jr. has played the most minutes in a single game without making a field goal of any player in the league this season—42:16 against the Warriors on March 5.
- Reed Sheppard ranks 10th in the league for total steals + blocks (176) this season.
Los Angeles Lakers Player Facts
- Deandre Ayton ranks 2nd amongst qualified players for FG% (67.1%) this season.
- Rui Hachimura ranks 5th amongst qualified players for 3P% (44.3%) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Rockets have suffered the largest comeback loss from an HT lead this season—led by 22 points @ Pelicans on December 18.
- The Rockets rank 1st in the league for Q3 opponent points per game this season (26.9).
- The Lakers rank 29th in the league for offensive rebounds per game this season (9.4).
- The Lakers rank 2nd in the league for free throw attempts per game this season (26.8).
Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets Injury Report
The Rockets will be without Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams. Kevin Durant is questionable with an ankle injury.
Luka Dončić is out for the Lakers. Austin Reaves is questionable with an oblique injury.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets Prediction
I said it since game 1: the Rockets should be favored and should take advantage of this series given the injury report. Even without Durant, the Rockets have more to work with when the Lakers are down Reaves and Luka. However, if there was a team that would blow it, it would be these Rockets. Well, here we are. I’m not sure how the Rockets respond to the game 3 loss, as it’s one of the worst collapses in recent memory. Up six points with the ball and just 30 seconds left. You lose? Yikes. It wouldn’t be shocking if the Rockets check in even greater and just roll over.
I also expect Reaves to return, as he was close in game 3. I’ve wanted little to do with the Rockets and that’s even more of the case now. Give me the Lakers and the points and I wouldn’t be surprised if they won outright.