Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets Game 4 Preview, Picks & Odds for Sunday, April 26, 2026

By Braxton Reynolds | Apr 25, 2026, 9:03pm

Game 4 between the Los Angeles Lakers (3-0) and Houston Rockets (0-3) is set for 9:30 p.m. Eastern on NBC. Luka Dončić remains sidelined, but Austin Reaves may suit up for the first time since April 2. Kevin Durant is also questionable after missing the previous game.

Lakers vs. Rockets Betting Analysis

Game 3 was one of the worst losses in Rockets history. They led by six points with 30 seconds remaining and had possession of the basketball. What happened next? Houston proceeded to commit a turnover, foul a three-point shooter, commit another turnover, give up a game-tying triple, brick a potential game-winner against the side of the backboard, and survive a LeBron James buzzer-beater that rattled out before losing in overtime.

The Rockets’ lack of confidence during this circus stretch was palpable. Here is what head coach Ime Udoka had to say during his post-game interview when asked about his general message to the players after the loss: “You know, grow up, and you’re not that young anymore.” Udoka slammed the Rockets for making mistakes and failing to learn from previous meltdowns across the rest of his interview. If he did not lose the locker room before Game 3, then he may have just done so.

No NBA team has ever won a series after losing the first three games, and it’s very difficult to envision this Rockets squad making history. What must hurt most for Houston fans is the fact that the Lakers were without Dončić and Reaves. It was supposed to be the Rockets’ series to lose. But Los Angeles must stay motivated because winning Game 4 would give LeBron James and company much-needed rest before the second round.

The best bet is taking Amen Thompson to record at least 31 points plus rebounds plus assists. He does everything on the court for the Rockets, and his athleticism advantage over the Lakers is stark. Through three games, Thompson has logged 30, 31, and 41 PRAs.

Lakers vs. Rockets Best Bet, Pick & Prediction

Best Bet: Amen Thompson O30.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-104)
Score Prediction: Rockets 103, Lakers 101

Lakers vs. Rockets Game Odds

Lakers vs. Rockets Game Information

Date: Sunday, April 26, 2026
Time: 9:40 p.m. ET
Network: NBC
Location: Houston, Texas
Venue: Toyota Center – 222 ppg; 17-25 O/U
Series Score: Lakers 3-0

Lakers vs. Rockets Betting Resources

Lakers vs. Rockets Key Players

Lakers

LeBron James – Last Game: 29 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists
Luke Kennard – Last Game: 14 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists
Rui Hachimura – Last Game: 22 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists

Rockets

Alperen Şengün – Last Game: 33 points, 16 rebounds, 6 assists
Amen Thompson – Last Game: 26 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists
Jabari Smith Jr. – Last Game: 24 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist

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.