The Los Angeles Lakers (0-1) welcome the Houston Rockets (0-1) to Staples Center for their home opener. The game starts at 10:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, October 20, 2018, and will air on ESPN.
Houston opened as a 3-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 235.5 points.
Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers Free Prediction
The last time the Rockets played, they were 8-point favorites and were defeated by the New Orleans Pelicans, 131-112. The total points for the game (243) finished over the projected point total of 232. New Orleans out-rebounded Houston. The Pelicans had 14 offensive rebounds and 54 total rebounds, while the Rockets had eight and 37, respectively. James Harden put together a solid outing for Houston, recording 18 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds.
The Lakers were beaten by the Portland Trail Blazers in their last matchup, 128-119. They were unable to cover as 3-point underdogs. The game’s total points (247) were well over the O/U total of 224. Portland’s rebounding was their biggest strength. The Trail Blazers had 14 offensive rebounds and 54 total rebounds, while the Lakers had eight and 46, respectively. With 26 points on 9-for-16 shooting, LeBron James was Los Angeles’ leading scorer.
The offense of Los Angeles will face off against the elite defense of Houston. Dating back to last season, the Lakers rank 24th in offensive efficiency, while the Rockets are eighth in defensive efficiency. The Rockets should have the advantage on that end of the court. The Rockets should have an edge in terms of ball protection. They rank 5th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 12.9 percent), while the Lakers have forced the ninth-fewest turnovers in the NBA (opponents’ turnover percentage of 13.2 percent).
Since last season, the Rockets are 65-18 straight up (SU) and 48-45-1 against the spread (ATS). Just over half of Houston games have finished over the projected point total since last season.
Meanwhile, the Lakers, have records of 35-48 SU and 37-44-2 ATS since last season. A little over half of Los Angeles’ games have finished over the projected point total over that same period.
The Rockets won three out of four meetings against the Lakers last season. In the last matchup, Houston won 105-99. Making free throws was one of Houston’s biggest strengths. They were 15-16 (93.8 percent), while the Lakers were 13-15 (86.7 percent).
Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Rockets, ATS Winner – Lakers, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Houston is 38-3 when they allow under 100 points, while Los Angeles is 13-5.
When scoring more than 100 points, the Rockets are 71-16 and the Lakers are 32-30.
Los Angeles ranks second in points in the paint per game (52.1) while Houston ranks 28th (41.1).
The Rockets rank fifth in blocks allowed per game (4.4) while the Lakers rank 27th (5.5).
Los Angeles ranks seventh in assists per game (23.8) while Houston ranks 28th (21.1).
The Lakers rank second in second chance points per game (14.0) while the Rockets rank 22nd (11.5).
Houston ranks fifth in steals per game (8.4) while Los Angeles ranks 24th in steals allowed per game (8.3).
The Rockets average 41.9 three pointers per game, which ranks first in the league. The Lakers rank 20th in three pointers allowed per game (30.2).
Houston ranks 11th in points off turnovers allowed per game (15.5) while Los Angeles ranks 28th (18.3).
The Lakers rank second in rebounds per game (46.4) while the Rockets rank 19th (43.3).
Los Angeles ranks second in fast break points per game (17.7) while Houston ranks 17th (11.2).
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