Rockets vs. Lakers Pick
The Houston Rockets have run away with the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, but have lost two of their last four games with two left to play. Will Houston find its winning ways tonight as a big road favorite at the Los Angeles Lakers?
Game Snapshot & Odds
511 Houston Rockets -7.5 at 512 Los Angeles Lakers +7.5; 218
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
10:40PM ET at Staples Center
TV: TNT
Public Betting Trends
As of Tuesday afternoon, 73 percent of public bets are pouring in on the visiting Rockets. Check out our NBA Public Betting Page for up-to-date information.
No resting Rockets?
Houston might opt to rest players for its season finale, but as of now it appears shooting guard James Harden along with point guard Chris Paul and center Clint Capela will be among those on the floor for tonight’s nationally televised game. Whether they see a full complement of minutes is another story. And with the late change, anything is subject to change so make sure you keep an eye on info coming from Twitter and all your favorite sources.
When Harden, Paul and Capela have all been on the floor this season the Rockets have been downright dominant. After dropping two of their last four, finding top form with the postseason starting in less than a week will be crucial for the Rockets. Harden also has a couple more chances to solidify his MVP case as he is currently averaging 30.6 points, 8.7 assists and 5.4 rebounds with a PER of 29.92.
Lakers clearly have bright future
A lot has been made of what Los Angeles will do over the summer, like basically every LA summer. Huge names like LeBron James and Paul George are always talked about as potential future Lakers. But can we take a minute to appreciate how fun the current assembly of the youthful Lakers is to watch? Sure, there is a veteran center in Brook Lopez and a veteran shooting guard in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on the roster. But all of the youth movement such as power forward Julius Randle, small forward Brandon Ingram, shooting guard/small forward Josh Hart, small forward Kyle Kuzma and of course point guard Lonzo Ball make for the most entertaining non-playoff team in the NBA right now. Sure, a superstar next season would help. But this team is only going to get better regardless of who they add.
With all that said, both Ball and Kuzma are questionable with injuries tonight while Ingram remains out. It definitely puts a bit of a damper on the overall viewing experience of tonight’s game.
NBA Betting Trends
Houston
The under is 4-0 in the last four Houston games after it scored 100 or more in the previous game. The over is 9-1 in the last 10 Houston games. The Rockets are 12-4 ATS in the last 16 meetings with the Lakers.
Los Angeles
The Lakers are 5-0 ATS in their last five Tuesday games. The over is 4-0 in the last four LA games when the opponent scores 100 or more in the previous game. Los Angeles is 6-1 ATS in its last seven home games versus an opponent with a winning percentage over .600.
Prediction:
Houston is a lot healtihier going into this game, with super sub shooting guard Eric Gordon expected to play. Only power forward Ryan Anderson is out amongst the Rockets’ key role role players. With Los Angeles missing so many pieces, I think this could be one last statement game for a big audience before the playoffs start. Although the Lakers defeated Houston on the road once this season and lost the other road game in overtime, the Rockets did roll to a 118-95 victory at LA back on Dec. 3. The Lakers were healthier in the first three meetings this season. Go with Houston.
NBA DAILY PREDICTION: HOUSTON ROCKETS -7.5