The Houston Rockets (26-14) and their great offense welcome the Los Angeles Lakers (33-8) and their superb defense. The game starts at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 18, 2020.
Los Angeles Lakers at Houston Rockets ATS Odds
Both teams lost as favorites in their last outing. The Lakers (9.5-point favorites) were defeated by the Orlando Magic, 119-118, while the Rockets (8.5-point favorites) fell to the Portland Trail Blazers, 117-107. The Los Angeles game went 27.5 points over the projected point total of 209.5, while the Houston game went 13.5 points under the projected point total of 237.5.
Los Angeles made 15 of their 38 three pointers (39.5 percent) while Houston had a better effective field goal percentage (0.479 vs. 0.489). Houston was lifted by Russell Westbrook, who registered his sixth triple-double of the season. He took over, collecting 31 points, 12 assists and 11 rebounds. LeBron James, meanwhile played a pivotal role for Los Angeles with 19 points and 19 assists.
The Rockets edged out the Lakers in this series last year, winning three out of four games. In the most recent game, Los Angeles won 111-106. Los Angeles had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (25.5 vs. 9.8). Houston, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (12.9 vs. 14.5). This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when predicting totals of Lakers games, with 22 unders compared to 19 overs. Los Angeles heads into the contest with records of 33-8 straight up (SU) and 22-18-1 against the spread (ATS).
Of the Rockets’ 40 games, 23 have finished under the O/U total. Additionally, Houston owns records of 26-14 SU and 20-20 ATS.
The game should be a battle of strength against strength as the high-powered offense of Houston takes on the stingy defense of Los Angeles. The Rockets rank third in offensive efficiency, while the Lakers are third in defensive efficiency.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets Odds Pick
Free NBA Tip: SU Winner – Lakers, ATS Winner – Lakers, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Lakers rank first in blocks per game (7.2) while the Rockets rank 14th (4.8).
- Los Angeles ranks second in fast break points per game (18.1) while Houston ranks 29th in fast break points allowed per game (15.9).
- The Lakers rank second in points in the paint per game (53.8) while the Rockets rank 24th in points allowed in the paint per game (50.5).
- Los Angeles ranks fourth in points off turnovers (18.4 per game) while Houston ranks 25th in points off turnovers allowed (18.4 per game).
- Los Angeles ranks third in rebounds allowed per game (42.1) while Houston ranks 19th (46.4).
- The Lakers rank fourth in assists allowed per game (22.7) while the Rockets rank 27th (25.9).
- The Lakers average 14.4 second chance points per game, which ranks fifth in the NBA. The Rockets rank 21st in second chance points allowed per game (13.5).
- Los Angeles averages 8.4 steals per game, which ranks sixth in the league. Houston ranks 17th in steals allowed per game (7.8).
- Houston ranks first in three pointers attempted per game (44.3) while Los Angeles ranks 23rd (30.5).
- When allowing less than 100 points, Los Angeles is 14-0 and Houston is 3-0.
- In games where they reach the century mark, the Rockets are 26-12 and the Lakers are 29-8.
- Houston is 10-9 ATS at home, while Los Angeles is 11-9 ATS on the road.
- The total has gone over in 10 of the Lakers’ 20 road games, while 10 of the Rockets’ 19 home games have gone over.
Bettings Trends:
- The Lakers are 4-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Rockets are 1-4.
- In their last five games, Los Angeles has 4 overs and 1 under, while Houston has 4 unders and 1 over.
- The Lakers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 17.6, up from 8.6 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Rockets have scored an average of 114.0 points per game (4.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 115.0 points per game (1.0 above their season average).
