Lakers vs Rockets Pick, Preview & Betting Odds For Sunday, April 2nd

Check out our free Lakers vs Rockets pick and preview for this NBA game in Houston. See who we like to win and cover the spread in this NBA matchup.

Lakers vs Rockets NBA Pick & Preview

Sport: NBA
Teams: Los Angeles Lakers at Houston Rockets
Where: Houston at Toyota Center
Date: Sunday, April 2nd
Betting Odds HOU +11, LAL -607 | HOU +441 O/U 233.0

So far, the Lakers have put together an overall record of 39-38, while going 38-36-3 vs the spread. Los Angeles comes into the game having rattled off 2 straight wins. In these games, they have an average scoring differential of 11.5 points.

The Lakers will look to keep things rolling, as they previously beat the Timberwolves by a score of 123-111. Heading into the game, they were 1 point favorites against the spread, giving them an ATS win. Los Angeles was able to mount a big second half comeback in large part to a strong 3rd quarter. After trailing at the half by 10 points, they actually went into the final quarter with the lead. Leading the team in scoring was Anthony Davis, as he contributed 38 points while hitting 57.7% of his shots.

So far, the Rockets have put together an overall record of 19-59, while going 30-45-3 vs the spread. Against the spread, Houston has a mark of 1-1-1. Straight up, their record is 1-2 in these games.

The Rockets are looking to add another win to their resume, as they took down the Pistons by a score of 121-115. This win gave them an ATS push, as the team was 6 point favorites. Houston went on to win the game, despite trailing by 3 going into halftime. Leading the team in scoring was Kevin Porter Jr., as he contributed 33 points while hitting 60.0% of his shots.

Head To Head Recap & Stats

In the most recent matchup between the two teams, the Lakers picked up the 140-132 win over the Rockets. The Lakers point margin of victory was enough to cover the spread as 7.5 point favorite. So far, the two team’s have split their season series, with each team at 1-1. In last year’s head-to-head meetings, the Lakers averaged 119.0 points per game vs Houston, which was an increase over their season-long average. On the other side, the Rockets also experienced an uptick in scoring during head-to-head matchups, averaging 116.0 points per game vs Los Angeles. The level of competition has been tight in the 5 most recent games between Lakers and Rockets with just 1 points per game separating the teams. Houston has the ATS edge in this span at 3-2. The over-under record in these same games is 4-1, with the teams combining for an average of 251 points per game.

Odds & Free Betting Analysis For This NBA Game

Heading into play, the Lakers offense is rated 9th in the league in scoring, averaging 116.5 points per contest. Coming into today’s game, the Lakers will be looking to improve their 3-point shooting numbers, as they are averaging just 10.6 made 3’s per game. Despite struggling with their outside shot, Los Angeles remains one of the better offensive units in large part to their ability to get to the charity stripe. So far, the team is averaging 20.8 made free-throws per game.

On defense, the Lakers will look for some improved play, as they are currently the 28th ranked unit in points allowed per game.

One situation to keep an eye on leading up the game is the availability of LeBron James, as he is currently questionable on the injury report. If he is able to play, the team will have it’s 1-2 punch availble as James leads the team in scoring at 29.0 points per game while Davis is 2nd at 26.3. For the season, James is 8th in the NBA in usage rate and 15th in player efficiency. Behind him, Davis has taken 19.6% of the team’s field goal attempts, connecting at a rate of 56.7%.

The Rockets come into today’s game as the 29th ranked scoring offense at 110.5 points per game. Coming into today’s game, the Rockets will be looking to improve their 3-point shooting numbers, as they are averaging just 10.5 made 3’s per game. If the Houston offense is going to turn things around, not only do they need to improve their outside shooting but they must do a better job protecting the ball. Currently, they are averaging 15.6 turnovers per game.

Currently, the Rockets defense is ranked 30th in points allowed. So far, opposing teams are averaging 118.2 points per game vs the unit.

Shooting Guard Jalen Green currently leads the Rockets at 22.0 points per game. For the season, he is 34th in the NBA in usage rate and has taken 20.1% of the team’s field goal attempts. In addition to his scoring, Green is averaging 3.8 boards and 3.6 assists per contest. In today’s game, he is facing off against the NBA’s 15th ranked defense at defending shooting guards. Kevin Porter Jr. enters the game sitting second on the team in scoring. Through 56 games, he is averaging 19.0 and is 135th in the league in player efficiency rating.