LA Lakers vs. Houston Rockets – 1/5/25 Free Pick & NBA Betting Prediction

Free NBA Pick: Lakers vs. Rockets NBA Odds

Looking for LA Lakers vs. Houston Rockets free NBA picks & NBA odds? NBA betting sees the Lakers taking on the Rockets on Sunday, January 5th, 2025 at the Toyota Center. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NBA basketball matchups so stay tuned for more FREE daily NBA hoops predictions like this Lakers Rockets matchup.

2025 NBA Handicapping LA Lakers vs. Houston Rockets

(20-14) LA Lakers vs. Houston Rockets (22-12)
Date: Sunday, January 5th
Time: 7:00 PM EST
Venue: Toyota Center, Houston, TX
Moneyline NBA Odds:  Lakers +159 | Rockets -178  (Bet Now!)
NBA ATS Betting Odds: Rockets -4.5
Today’s NBA Betting Total (O/U): 218.5

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Sunday serves up six matches including the LA Lakers facing the Houston Rockets for the first of three scheduled meetings this season.

Both teams last played on Friday with the Lakers defeating the Hawks 119-102 while the Rockets fell 86-109 to the Celtics.

Season Series

Last season, the teams played four times splitting the series while the Lakers hold the all-time record between the squads with 148 victories in 237 matches.

*Editor’s Note: Statistics and rankings are current as of this writing, Saturday, January 4th. Numbers may vary slightly entering games on Sunday, January 5th.

LA Lakers

Moves were made this week to shore up the wing position in LA with the addition of Dorian Finney-Smith and D’Angelo Russell going back to the Nets.

This trade accomplishes a number of moves including freeing up Austin Reeves to have a more impactful role as a playmaker and scorer.

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Lakers Stats

LA ranks 11th offensively (112.8) and 21st defensively (114.6), with a minus net differential of  -1.8 ranks 18th overall.

The Lakers slide just above .500 when betting against the spread with a 17-16 record to this point in the season.

Lakers Injury Report

To summarize the injury report…

• Anthony Davis, PF (questionable — ankle)
• Jalen Hood-Schifino, SG (OUT — hamstring)
• Christian Wood, PF (OUT indefinitely — knee)
• Jarred Vanderbilt, SF (OUT indefinitely — knee)
• Gabe Vincent, PG (OUT — oblique)

Houston Rockets

It has been tough sledding for the Rockets who have lost three of their last four matches. The slide has demonstrated old habits as Houston allowed teams to come back from double-digit deficits and second-half leads.

The key for Houston will be to get dialed back into their identity to make the stretch run through the rest of the season.

Rockets Stats

The Rockets rank tied for 14th offensively (112.1) and are second defensively (106.2), with a net differential of plus +5.9 ranking sixth overall.

Houston is among the best bets against the spread with a 20-14 record through 34 games.

Rockets Injury Report

To summarize the injury report…

• Jock Landale, C (questionable — knee )
• Tari Eason, SF (OUT— lower leg)

NBA Bettors we want to hear from you. Comment below. Give us your LA Lakers vs. Houston Rockets NBA picks!

Celtics vs. Rockets NBA Betting Trends:

• All in all, the Lakers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games.
• The total has gone UNDER in 13 of LA Lakers’ last 19 games.
• Also, the Lakers are 4-8 ATS in their last 12 games against Houston.
• By comparison, the Rockets are 11-4 SU in their last 15 games at home.
• The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston’s last 6 games.
• Additionally, the Rockets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games when hosting the Lakers.

Free NBA Prediction:

While the youthful exuberance of the Rockets should cause the Lakers problems their recent downslide can’t be ignored. Moreover, these losses came on their home court but in fairness were against tougher squads (Timberwolves, Heat, Celtics).

Meanwhile, the Lakers have seemingly found an offensive groove but their defense still lacks a lot to be desired.

That makes for an interesting matchup but based on recent performances Ill take the points and the Lakers.

4* Free Lakers vs. Rockets NBA Betting Pick: Lakers +4.5

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NBA Tweet Of The Day

Got some visitors in town…

Rockets v. Lakers. Tonight. pic.twitter.com/FJ7CXSWS0r

— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) January 5, 2025

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About Tamberlyn Richardson

The Queen of the NBA is based in Toronto, Canada. Past work includes roles as the Managing Editor of Sixteen Wins A Ring. and Thunderous Intentions as well as a featured columnist for ESPN True Hoop Affiliate, Raptors Republic. Stay tuned for winning NBA predictions night after night!

Filed Under: NBA Basketball