Lakers vs Rockets Pick, Preview & Betting Odds For Wednesday, March 15th

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: Wednesday, March 15th
Betting Odds HOU +2.5, LAL -137 | HOU +113 O/U OFF

The Lakers come into today’s matchup with an overall record of 34-35. So far, the team has gone 34-32-3 against the spread. Across the team’s previous 3 games, they have gone 2-1 straight-up and 2-1 vs the spread.

The Lakers are coming off a 123-108 win over the Pelicans. This away win came despite entering the game as the 2 point underdogs. Los Angeles was able to take care of business in the second half of this game, as they didn’t allow the Pelicans to cut into their 35 point halftime lead. In the win, Anthony Davis led the team in scoring with 35 points on a field goal percentage of 61.1%.

The Rockets come into today’s matchup with an overall record of 16-52. So far, the team has gone 26-40-2 against the spread. Looking back on Rockets’ previous 3 games, they have a record of 1-2 while averaging 115 points per game. Over this stretch, their ATS mark is 2-1.

Houston is going for yet another win, as they previously defeated the Celtics at home. With the 111-109 victory, they also covered the spread as 13 point underdogs. The Rockets made things more interesting than they hoped, as they gave back some of their 7 point halftime lead, by being outscored in the 2nd half. In the win, Jalen Green led the team in scoring with 28 points on a field goal percentage of 27.6%.

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. This has been the only matchup between the two teams this season. 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. Although the Rockets have the better ATS mark across the previous 5 head-head matchups at 3-2, the average scoring margin sits in favor of Los Angeles, as they averaged 123 points per game while allowing 119. Over the course of these games, they averaged 242 points per game, leading a 4-1 over-under record.

Odds & Free Betting Analysis For This NBA Game

Heading into play, the Lakers offense is rated 8th in the league in scoring, averaging 116.7 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 10.7 made 3’s per game. If the Los Angeles 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 13.6 turnovers per game.

Against the Rockets, the Lakers will need a stronger defensive effort as they are ranked just 28th in points allowed.

Keep in mind that the top two scorers for the Lakers, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, will not be playing in today’s game. This season, James has been averaging 29.5 points per game, and Davis has been averaging 26.1 points per game.

Through 68 games, the Rockets are averaging 110.3 points per contest, placing them 29th in the NBA. Coming into today’s game, the Rockets will be looking to improve their 3-point shooting numbers, as they are averaging just 10.7 made 3’s per game. If Houston continues to struggle with their outside shot, they may look to start playing with more pace, as they are currently 18th in the league in possessions per game.

On defense, the Rockets will look for some improved play, as they are currently the 30th ranked unit in points allowed per game.

Before getting a bet down on this matchup, be sure to check in on the health status of Alperen Sengün who is 2nd on the team in scoring at 14.7 points per game. At the time of this article, Sengün is listed as questionable. For the season, he is 5th on the team in usage rate and is 66th in the NBA in player efficiency rating. If he is able to play, Houston benefit from having both of their top scorers as Jalen Green leads the team and is 36th in the league in scoring (21.8). For today’s matchup, he will going against a defense ranked 15th in points allowed to shooting guards.