NBA Handicapping Predictions – Rockets vs Lakers
In this shortened NBA season there haven’t been many chances to get an extended break, but the Rockets have had three straight days off coming into this one.
NBA Basketball Matchup: Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers
10:30 PM EST on NBATV
NBA Gambling Odds from Bovada
NBA Betting Favorite: Lakers -6
Over/Under: 194
The Lakers will be playing their fifth game in the past seven days.
The Lakers picked up a 113-108 win over the Clippers Wednesday night. The Lakers are 23-5 at home this year, but they have been extremely inconsistent overall. The Rockets are fighting for their playoff lives.
Expect a great effort out of both teams in this one.
Houston is technically in the seventh spot in the Western Conference playoff standings, but they are just one game ahead of the ninth place team and 1.5 games ahead of the tenth place squad. Kevin Martin and Kyle Lowry are two of the team’s most important players, but both of them have been out for several weeks.
Luis Scola is the team’s leading scorer, and he has been extremely consistent on the offensive end. Goran Dragic only averages 10.2 points per game for the year, but he has stepped up in a big way since Lowry has gone down. Dragic has scored at least 10 points in 16 straight games. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Houston is coming off an impressive win at Chicago earlier this week.
The Lakers held off the Clippers Wednesday night to grab a crucial victory.
Andrew Bynum led the way with 36 huge points in that win. Kobe Bryant put up 40 this past weekend, and he had 31 against the Clippers. The Lakers are at their best when they are pounding the ball inside to an effective Bynum and Gasol.
When those two are on, it opens up outside jumpers for Bryant. Ramon Sessions has been a nice pick up for the Lakers. Sessions gives the team a play maker at the point guard spot, and he allows Kobe Bryant to work away from the ball more often.
The Lakers defense hasn’t been as good of late. Opponents are scoring 98.8 points per game in their last five games.
Houston is well-rested and they need this game in a big way. I like the Lakers to win, but I think this one stays close.
Prediction: Los Angeles 101 Houston 98
