The Houston Rockets (32-18) and their sensational offense head to Los Angeles to take on the Lakers (38-11) and their superb defense. Action starts at 10:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 6, 2020.
Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Lakers ATS Odds
Both teams covered as favorites in their last matchup. The Lakers (9.5-point favorites) defeated the San Antonio Spurs 129-102, while the Rockets (13-point favorites) beat the Charlotte Hornets 125-110. Both games went over their projected point totals. The Los Angeles game finished 10 points over the projected point total of 221, while the Houston game went 12 points over the projected point total of 223.
Houston’s 3.6 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Charlotte, who had a rate of 15.4. The Rockets’ mark was better than their season average of 12.2. The Lakers, meanwhile, had a phenomenal offensive rebounding percentage of 33.3 (above their season average of 24.7), while the Spurs had a free throw rate of 0.099 (below their season average of 0.205). LeBron James put together a good game for Los Angeles with 36 points, nine assists and seven rebounds. Meanwhile, Houston was lifted by James Harden, who had 40 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, James led the Lakers to a 124-115 victory. He notched a double-double with 31 points and 12 assists. The two teams combined to put up 239 points, which was just over the projected point total of 234.5, and Los Angeles covered as a 4-point underdog. The Lakers’ 30.0 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over the Rockets, who had a rate of 24.4.
Of the Rockets’ 50 games, 27 have finished under the total. Houston comes into the game with records of 32-18 straight up (SU) and 25-25 against the spread (ATS).
Unlike Houston, a little over half of Lakers games have finished over the projected point total. Moreover, Los Angeles owns records of 38-11 SU and 26-22-1 ATS.
This showdown figures to be a high-scoring affair as two of the NBA’s premier offenses square off. Los Angeles currently ranks fourth with 111.6 points per 100 possessions and Houston is third (111.7).
Rockets vs. Lakers Odds Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Rockets, ATS Winner – Rockets, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Lakers average 7.1 blocks per game, which ranks first in the NBA. The Rockets rank 16th in blocks allowed per game (5.0).
- Los Angeles ranks second in fast break points per game (19.0) while Houston ranks 28th in fast break points allowed per game (15.5).
- The Lakers rank second in second chance points per game (14.8) while the Rockets rank 25th in second chance points allowed per game (13.9).
- Los Angeles averages 53.2 points in the paint per game, which ranks second in the NBA. Houston ranks 24th in points allowed in the paint per game (51.2).
- Los Angeles averages 18.6 points off turnovers per game, which ranks third in the league. Houston ranks 20th in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.4).
- The Lakers rank second in rebounds allowed per game (42.1) while the Rockets rank 27th (46.8).
- The Lakers rank sixth in assists per game (26.0) while the Rockets rank 27th (21.6).
- Houston averages 8.2 steals per game, which ranks ninth in the league. Los Angeles ranks 23rd in steals allowed per game (8.0).
- Houston ranks first in three pointers attempted per game (43.8) while Los Angeles ranks 24th (30.8).
- Los Angeles is 15-0 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Houston is 3-0.
- The Rockets are 32-16 when they score over 100 points, while the Lakers are 34-10.
- Houston is 12-13 ATS on the road, while Los Angeles is 12-10-1 ATS at home.
- In 25 road games, the Rockets have 15 unders and 10 overs.
- The Lakers have 12 unders and 11 overs in 23 home games.
Bettings Trends:
- In their last five games, Houston and Los Angeles are both 3-2 ATS.
- The Rockets have 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games, while the Lakers have 4 overs and 1 under
- During their last five games, the Rockets have scored an average of 121.6 points per game (2.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 116.4 points per game (1.9 above their season average).
- The Lakers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.6, down from 7.5 for the season.
