| MATCHUP | Los Angeles Lakers | Houston Rockets |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 53-29 | 52-30 |
| Spread | +3.5 -108 | -3.5 -112 |
| Moneyline | +142 | -170 |
| Total | Over 206.5 (-110) | Under 206.5 (-110) |
| Where | Toyota Center (Houston), Houston, TX | |
| When | Friday, May 1, 2026 | |
| Time | 09:30 PM EDT | |
| TV | Prime Video | |
LA Lakers Betting Preview
The LA Lakers look to get out of the first round for the first time since the 2022-23 season. The Lakers have won 19 of their last 25 games.
The LA Lakers are averaging 101.8 points on 49 percent shooting and allowing 102.8 points on 42 percent shooting. LeBron James is averaging 22.2 points and 7.2 rebounds, while Austin Reaves is averaging 22 points and 4 rebounds. Marcus Smart is the third double-digit scorer, and Rui Hachimura is grabbing 3.6 rebounds. The LA Lakers are shooting 37.6 percent from beyond the arc and 76.1 percent from the free-throw line. The LA Lakers are allowing 34.2 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 7 on Sunday. The Rockets have won 13 of their last 20 games.
The Houston Rockets are averaging 102.8 points on 42 percent shooting and allowing 101.8 points on 49 percent shooting. Kevin Durant is averaging 23 points and 6 rebounds, while Alperen Sengun is averaging 21 points and 10 rebounds. Amen Thompson is the third double-digit scorer, and Jabari Smith Jr. is grabbing 7.8 rebounds. The Houston Rockets are shooting 32.2 percent from beyond the arc and 75.6 percent from the free-throw line. The Houston Rockets are allowing 37.6 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 40.8 rebounds per game.
Why the Houston Rockets will win
- The Lakers have lost eight of their last nine Western Conference First Round road games.
- The Rockets have won eight of their last 10 home games.
- The Lakers have failed to cover the spread in five of their last six games as underdogs following a loss.
- The Rockets have covered the spread in five of their last six games as home favorites against the Lakers following a win.
Why the Los Angeles Lakers will win
- The Rockets have lost each of their last four Western Conference First Round games as favorites following a win.
- The underdogs have won six of the Rockets’ last seven Western Conference First Round games.
- The Rockets have failed to cover the spread in each of their last five games as home favorites after winning as underdogs.
- The Lakers have covered the spread in each of their last four games at Toyota Center following a home loss.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Lakers’ last six night games at Toyota Center following a home loss has gone OVER the total points line.
- Eight of the Rockets’ last nine home games following a road win have gone UNDER 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
- Rui Hachimura ranks 5th amongst qualified players for 3P% (44.3%) this season.
- Marcus Smart is one of only seven players in the league to have recorded 7+ steals in a game 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 doubtful with an ankle sprain.
Luka Dončić is out for the Mavericks.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets Prediction
The Rockets have some momentum and it feels like the public is all over them to make history. I’m still a believer that the Lakers will get this done, especially with the return of Reaves. The Lakers had their chances in game 5 but couldn’t close the deal. Since March 8, the Lakers are 10-3 ATS as an underdog and they’ve outright won 10 of those games as well. The Lakers have won 7 of the last 10 games against the Rockets. The Rockets’ young players have also done a lot of talking lately and that usually doesn’t fly against LeBron. Just ask Klay Thompson about poking the bear. I’ll grab the points with the Lakers.