The Houston Rockets have won six consecutive games in the matchup with the purple and gold, including three games this season, all by more than the Sportsbook 3-point spread that bettors are waking up to today. Houston is also expected to finally get Clint Capela back into the lineup tonight. The total opened at 233 with early betting action on the OVER.
Standout Stats
- The total has gone OVER in three of the Lakers’ last four games with an average combined score of 245. In the last five-game segment, the Lakers have the worst scoring defense in the NBA with opponents scoring 127.8 points per game. Houston is scoring 117.6 points per game during the same stretch.
- The total has gone OVER in four of Houston’s last five road games and in five of the last six games in this matchup.
- The Rockets have scored a minimum of 124 points in each game vs LA this season with an average of 129.3. In those games, the Lakers have averaged 119.7 points.
- James Harden is averaging 44.7 points in games vs LA this season – including 5.7 three-pointers per game, a 41.5 percent three-point shooting rate, and 13.7 free throws made.
- Clint Capela has been out for more than a month but averaged 17.5 points and 13 rebounds in two games vs LA.
- Houston is scoring 119.3 points per game in February, No. 4 in the NBA this month.
- The Lakers score 56.2 points per game in the paint (second) while the Rockets allow 53.1 opponent points in the paint per game (30th).
My Pick for Rockets-Lakers
Rockets -3
I’ve been betting against the Lakers for most of the year, especially when they play teams that can match them offensively. When you look at the history of the matchup this season, Houston has been dominant against LA’s defense each and every time out.
With Capela back in the middle, Houston should get a little bit of relief under the hoop, although Kyle Kuzma will prove a formidable opponent for him in his return. If you’re into player props, Kuzma OVER 18.5 points looks pretty good tonight, as he’s averaging 22.3 points vs Houston this year.
