The Los Angeles Lakers’ dynamic duo was too much for Houston to handle in Game 2 – but will the Rockets’ defense buckle again in Game 3 or can Houston rebound to regain a series lead? That’s the biggest question fans and bettors have as the top-seeded Lakers and small-ball Rockets prepare to tip off Tuesday night in the Orlando bubble.
- Date/Time: September 8, 9 p.m. ET
- Arena: AdventHealth Arena
- TV Coverage: TNT
- Sportsbook Odds: Lakers -5.5 | O/U 224 (Line History)
- Lakers vs Rockets Matchup Report
Sportsbook Odds Analysis
This one opened with the Lakers as 5.5-point favorites, but the line has dipped to -5 just about everywhere. The total has remained unchanged at 224.
Los Angeles News & Notes
LeBron James and Anthony Davis were sensational in helping their team draw level with Houston, combining for 62 points, 21 rebounds and 13 assists while attempting nearly half the team’s 83 total shots. This time, Los Angeles got some much-needed support from its bench, with Markieff Morris, Kyle Kuzma and Rajon Rondo combining for 39 points in reserve roles.
The Lakers might also have discovered the long-term key to negating Houston’s blazing speed: turn the Rockets’ mistakes into makes and dominate in the paint. Los Angeles scored 20 fast-break points in the victory (Houston had just six) and enjoyed a ridiculous 54-26 advantage in points in the paint while leading by as many as 21 at one point.
Houston News & Notes
When the Rockets fire 53 three-point attempts and make 22 of them, their opponent is usually in trouble. And while the result wasn’t what Houston wanted, the Rockets can take solace in the fact that it wasn’t due to their offense, which placed six players – including all five starters – in double figures. James Harden led the way with 27 points, while Eric Gordon added 24.
As for the defense, that’s a different story altogether. The Rockets allowed the Lakers to shoot a blistering 56.6 percent from the floor and 44.4 percent from beyond the arc in one of their worst defensive showings of the postseason. That said, the Rockets have been much better defensively than this, and a bounce-back puts the UNDER on the Lakers’ team total in play here.
Betting Pick: UNDER 224 (-110)
For as well as both teams shot in Game 2, they only combined for 226 points. Any shooting regression will result in a lower total for Game 3 – and we like the chances of that happening.
- Los Angeles is 5-11 ATS in its last 16 games.
- Houston is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games.
- Russell Westbrook has 12 turnovers in 2 games.
