Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets: Prediction, Starting Lineups, Odds (3/29/23)

The return of LeBron James has truly propelled the Lakers into the thick of playoff contention. On a two-game win streak, LeBron and the Lakers will look to snag a third straight win against the Western Conference’s worst ranked team, the Houston Rockets. Let’s check out the odds and matchups to see how this game will fare Sunday.

Los Angeles Lakers Vs. Houston Rockets Betting Odds

The Lakers are favored by (-12) over the Rockets (+12) in Houston. While I will take the Lakers to win no problem, I still think the Rockets should cover the large spread. The Rockets have been able to keep close in many of their games so far, even when playing against much better teams.

Los Angeles Lakers Vs. Houston Rockets Prediction

The Los Angeles Lakers head into this game against the Rockets in the 7th spot in the West after leapfrogging two spots thanks to a win over the Timberwolves on Friday. The win not only lifted the Lakers in the seedings, but dropped one of their top competitors, the Timberwolves, to the 9th seed. D’Angelo Russell, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis each had double-doubles versus the Timberwolves, which has the team looking a lot more well rounded. After many questions about whether the Lakers could even have a chance after the James injury, the team seems like they’re heading in the right direction at the perfect time of the year.

Unlike the Lakers, the Rockets have been trending in the wrong direction pretty much the whole year. The Rockets just notched a win to end a previous 8 game losing streak against the Detroit Pistons, another one of the NBA‘s worst teams. Both Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green each put up 30+ points in their win over the Pistons. Both Porter and Green have provided strength for the Rockets in their past few games, and will need to repeat the kind of performance they had against the Pistons if they want a strong shot at upsetting the Lakers.

If there’s anything that favors the Rockets in this lopsided game, it’s that the Rockets beat the Lakers in their last matchup on March 15th. However, both Anthony Davis and LeBron James were out of the game and dealing with injuries. With the Lakers two best players back and the Lakers competing in a tight race for the play-in tournament or playoffs, LeBron and the Lakers should have no trouble finding motivation to beat the Rockets.

Betting Trends

Lakers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Lakers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
Rockets are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.

Anthony Davis vs. Houston Rockets

Anthony Davis has been on fire the past two games, recording 38 points in each game. He has also had a double-double in each of the past two games, notching at least 10 rebounds to go along with his impressive point total. Despite playing with a hurt ankle, Davis has clearly put up stellar performances for the Lakers and should continue to do so against the Rockets, who rank 29th in team defensive rating. If Anthony Davis continues to play alongside LeBron James at this level, the rest of the Western Conference may not just have to worry about if the Lakers will make the playoffs, but how far they will go.

Los Angeles Lakers Depth Chart

PG: D’Angelo Russell
SG: Malik Beasley
SF: Jarred Vanderbilt
PF: LeBron James
C: Anthony Davis

Houston Rockets Depth Chart

PG: Kevin Porter Jr
SG: Jalen Green
SF: Kenyon Martin Jr
PF: Jabari Smith Jr
C: Alperen Sengun

Key Injuries

Los Angeles Lakers Injuries: Scotty Pippen Jr. (Game Time Decision), Mo Bamba (Out).

Houston Rockets Injuries: Jae’Sean Tate (Game Time Decision).