The Los Angeles Lakers (34-46) and Houston Rockets (64-16) get their Western Conference schedules going at Staples Center. The game can be seen on TNT at 10:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, April 10, 2018.
Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Lakers Betting Prediction
The last time the Rockets played, they were defeated by the Oklahoma City Thunder, 108-102. Oklahoma City’s turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Houston. The Thunder had a rate of 9.4 (better than their season average of 12.0), while the Rockets posted a mark of 16.5 (above their season average of 12.0). James Harden was the top scorer from either team with 26 points on 7-for-16 shooting.
The Lakers were beaten by the Utah Jazz in their last outing, 112-97. Utah’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Los Angeles. The Jazz had a rate of 0.584 (above their season average of 0.527), while the Lakers posted a mark of 0.425 (below their season average of 0.518). With 25 points on 10-for-18 shooting, Josh Hart was Los Angeles’ high scorer.
The offense of Los Angeles will clash against the elite defense of Houston. The Lakers rank 23rd in offensive efficiency, while the Rockets are seventh in defensive efficiency. The Rockets figure to have the edge on that side of the ball.
Houston comes into the game with records of 64-16 straight up (SU) and 41-37-2 against the spread (ATS). Games involving the Rockets tend to go under the projected point total (56.3 percent).
Meanwhile, Los Angeles is 34-46 SU and 41-38-1 ATS. In opposition of Houston, Lakers games have a slight tendency to go over the total (53.8 percent).
The Rockets have won two out of three against the Lakers this season, including a six-point victory the last time these teams met. Houston was unable to cover as a 15-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 290 points, which was 64.5 points above the projected point total of 225.5 points. Houston had a better turnover percentage (8.2 vs. 10.3). Los Angeles, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (34.9 vs. 27.8). Harden put up a double-double in the victory with 40 points and 11 assists.
Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers Betting Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Rockets, ATS Winner – Rockets, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Houston is 24-14-1 ATS with 23 unders, 15 overs and 1 push.
At home, Los Angeles is 21-19 ATS with 20 overs and 20 unders.
Los Angeles is 13-5 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Houston is 31-2.
The Rockets are 61-12 when they reach 100 points, while the Lakers are 31-29.
Los Angeles ranks first in points in the paint per game (52.1) while Houston ranks 27th (40.9).
The Rockets rank seventh in blocks allowed per game (4.5) while the Lakers rank 28th (5.5).
Houston ranks fourth in rebounds allowed per game (41.9) while Los Angeles ranks 24th (44.8).
The Rockets rank sixth in points off turnovers per game (17.5) while the Lakers rank 25th in points off turnovers allowed per game (18.4).
Los Angeles ranks second in second chance points per game (14.2) while Houston ranks 21st (11.5).
The Rockets average 42.2 three pointers per game, which ranks first in the league. The Lakers rank 19th in three pointers allowed per game (30.1).
Houston averages 8.6 steals per game, which ranks fifth in the league. Los Angeles ranks 21st in steals allowed per game (8.3).
The Lakers rank second in fast break points per game (17.3) while the Rockets rank 16th (11.4).
Los Angeles ranks seventh in assists per game (23.8) while Houston ranks 11th in assists allowed per game (22.4).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Houston is 1-4 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
Los Angeles is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Rockets have been outscored by an average of 0.8 points in their last five games. On the season, Houston has defeated opponents by an average of 8.8 points.
During their last five games, the Lakers have scored an average of 101.6 points per game (6.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 107.6 points per game (2.2 below their season average).
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