Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets Game 3 Preview, Picks & Odds for Friday, April 24, 2026

By Braxton Reynolds | Apr 23, 2026, 7:49pm

Game 3 between the Los Angeles Lakers (2-0) and Houston Rockets (0-2) is slated for 8 p.m. Eastern on Amazon Prime. Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves remain sidelined, while Jake LaRavia is questionable to play. On the other hand, Kevin Durant returned to action in Game 2 and led the Rockets in scoring, but he’s questionable to play in Game 3 due to an ankle sprain. If he’s out, then it could get very ugly for the Rockets.

Lakers vs. Rockets Betting Analysis

Los Angeles took a commanding series lead after winning Game 2 by seven points. LeBron James led the way with 28 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, while Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart combined for 48 points on 80.1% true shooting.

Since the first round switched from a best-of-five to a best-of-seven format, 92.2% of teams have gone on to win the series after holding a 2-0 lead. Additionally, no team has ever come back from down 3-0, so Game 3 is a must-win contest for Houston.

How can the Rockets rebound? The offense (and especially clutch offense) is a much bigger issue than the defense, as Houston has only scored 104.9 points per 100 possessions through two games. For context, Brooklyn produced the worst offensive rating during the regular season at 108.2 points per 100 possessions. Alperen Şengün and Reed Sheppard must begin knocking down shots, or the Rockets are doomed. Şengün is shooting 38.5% from the field, while Sheppard is at 25%. Houston also needs to find ways to create easier shots because the offense often looks disorganized and stagnant.

The best bet is taking Amen Thomspon to record at least six assists. He’s the Rockets best ball handler and passer, so they may benefit from letting him create more rather than letting Kevin Durant get blitzed and trapped near the arc. Thompson’s first step is too quick for the Lakers, and Houston also likely shoots better from the field at home. Overall, Thompson recorded seven assists in Game 1 and nine assists in Game 2.

Lakers vs. Rockets Best Bet, Pick & Prediction

Best Bet: Amen Thompson O5.5 Assists (-113)
Score Prediction: Rockets 106, Lakers 99

Lakers vs. Rockets Game Odds

Lakers vs. Rockets Game Information

Date: Friday, April 24, 2026
Time: 8:10 p.m. ET
Network: APVO
Location: Houston, Texas
Venue: Toyota Center – 222.1 ppg; 16-25 O/U
Series Score: Lakers 2-0

Lakers vs. Rockets Betting Resources

Lakers vs. Rockets Key Players

Lakers

LeBron James – Last Game: 28 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists
Luke Kennard – Last Game: 23 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists
Deandre Ayton – Last Game: 6 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist

Rockets

Kevin Durant – Last Game: 23 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists
Alperen Şengün – Last Game: 20 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists
Amen Thompson – Last Game: 16 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists

Braxton Reynolds

Braxton has been covering the NBA for Lineups since the 2022 season. He's worked with multiple collegiate coaching staffs regarding analytics and scouting, which has allowed him to understand the game on a deeper level. Braxton also currently writes about the Oklahoma City Thunder for Thunder Roundtable.