Both teams will try to snap their five-game losing streaks as the Houston Rockets (25-9) clash with the Los Angeles Lakers (11-23) at Toyota Center. The game will air on ATTSN Southwest at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 31, 2017.
Houston opened as a 14.5-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 227.5 points.
Los Angeles Lakers at Houston Rockets Free Prediction
In the Lakers’ last contest, they were topped by the Los Angeles Clippers, 121-106. The Clippers did a great job of converting from the free throw line (28-34; 82.4 percent). The Lakers, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (10.6 vs. 11.4). Jordan Clarkson was Los Angeles’ high scorer with 20 points on 9-for-16 shooting.
The Rockets got blown out by the Washington Wizards in their last outing, 121-103. Washington’s 27.0 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over Houston, who had a mark of 18.6. The Wizards’ mark was above their season average of 22.5. With 10 points and 12 rebounds, Houston’s Tarik Black put together a good game.
Houston appears to have the edge on the offensive side of the ball. The Rockets rank second in offensive efficiency, while the Lakers rank 13th in defensive efficiency.
Los Angeles heads into the contest with records of 11-23 straight up (SU) and 16-18 against the spread (ATS). Of the Lakers’ 34 games, 19 have finished over the total.
Meanwhile, Houston owns records of 25-9 SU and 16-17-1 ATS. Rockets games have a slight tendency to go over the O/U total (50.0 percent).
Both teams have won a game in the season series. The Lakers won the most recent matchup 122-116, covering as 15-point underdogs. The game finished with a total of 238 points, which was 12 points above the projected point total of 226 points. The Lakers had a better turnover percentage (8.8 vs. 11.9) and had a better free throw rate (0.318 vs. 0.278). James Harden scored a game-high 51 points.
Los Angeles Lakers at Houston Rockets Betting Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Rockets, ATS Winner – Lakers, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Los Angeles is 8-8 ATS on the road with 8 overs and 8 unders.
Houston is 7-10-1 ATS at home with 11 overs and 7 unders.
Houston is 11-2 when they allow less than 100 points, while Los Angeles is 5-3.
The Lakers are 11-14 when they score more than 100 points, while the Rockets are 25-6.
Houston ranks first in rebounds allowed per game (40.8) while Los Angeles ranks 29th (45.8).
The Lakers rank first in points in the paint per game (54.1) while the Rockets rank 27th in points allowed in the paint per game (46.6).
Houston ranks fifth in points off turnovers per game (18.4) while Los Angeles ranks 27th in points off turnovers allowed per game (18.8).
The Lakers rank second in fast break points per game (16.2) while the Rockets rank 23rd in fast break points allowed per game (12.5).
Houston ranks first in three pointers attempted per game (43.1) while Los Angeles ranks 20th (26.9).
The Rockets rank second in steals per game (9.2) while the Lakers rank 18th in steals allowed per game (8.1).
Los Angeles ranks fourth in blocks per game (5.4) while Houston ranks 17th (4.7).
The Lakers rank fifth in second chance points per game (14.3) while the Rockets rank 18th (11.8).
Los Angeles averages 22.9 assists per game, which ranks ninth in the NBA. Houston ranks 12th in assists allowed per game (21.9).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Los Angeles is 1-4 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
Houston is 0-5 ATS with 2 overs, 2 unders and 1 push over their last five games.
The Lakers’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 10.4, up from 3.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Rockets have scored an average of 108.4 points per game (5.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 116.4 points per game (10.6 above their season average).
