Free Pick: Rockets vs. Lakers Odds
Looking for Houston Rockets vs. LA Lakers Free NBA predictions? NBA betting sees the Rockets taking on the Lakers on 12/25 at Crypto.com Arena in LA. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NBA basketball matchups all season long so stay tuned for more FREE daily NBA predictions like this Rockets Lakers free pick.
2025 NBA Handicapping – Dallas Mavericks vs LA Lakers
(17-10) Houston Rockets vs. LA Lakers (19-9)
Date: Dec 25, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
NBA Moneyline Odds: Rockets -130| Lakers +118 (Bet Now!)
Today’s NBA Point Spread Betting Odds: Rockets -2.5| Lakers +2.5
NBA Basketball Gambling Total: O/U: 230.5
Here’s why I’m backing the favored Houston as outlined in my Rockets Lakers free pick and gambling prediction for this matchup.
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Rockets vs. Lakers Gameday
The prime time event of Christmas Day features the Houston Rockets on the road to face the LA Lakers.
Both clubs last played on Tuesday and had the 24th off, like all the teams in the league.
Houston got blown out 108-128 by the lowly Clippers. Four Rockets collected double-digit scores, with Kevin Durant leading the way with 22 points and five rebounds. Alperen Sengun registered a double-double of 19 points and 11 rebounds plus seven assists.
Likewise, the Lakers lost their last match, getting ousted 108-132 by the Suns. Austin Reeves was back but entered as a reserve and offered 17 points while all five starters scored in double figures, led by LeBron James with 23 points.
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Houston Rockets vs. LA Lakers Odds & Last 5
In the last campaign, the Lakers won the regular season series, two games to one, while this is the first of three meetings this season.
Houston has hit the winter wall, matching their loss total of five in the last seven games after taking until December 5th to accumulate that many. This season, the Rockets possess a 17-10 record and reside in the sixth position in the West.
Similarly, the Lakers are 2-3 through the last five matches, having dropped from the second to the fourth seed in the West with a 19-9 record overall.
Rockets Stats
With 27 games in the pocket, Houston ranks third overall (121.0) on offense and 10th on defense (113.1). Additionally, the Rockets hold the third-ranked net rating (+7.8) and run the 28th slowest pace (97.39).
The West’s sixth seed averages 120.5 points per game, while its opponents average 112.7 points. In terms of dimes and boards, Houston averages 25.8 (18th) and 48.7 (1st), respectively.
Team leaders* are Kevin Durant for scoring (25.2), Alperen Sengun for rebounding (9.3), assists (6.9), steals (1.5), and blocks (1.0).
Perimeter shooting is a major advantage for Houston, which shoots the deep ball at an average of 40.0% (2nd in NBA). Incredibly, nine players average over 37% with eight shooting above 41.1%.
*Minimum 10 games played
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Lakers Stats
LA ranks tied for seventh offensively (117.8) and 24th defensively (117.6), with the 16th best net rating (+0.2), running a pace of 99.82, which ranks 23rd in the association.
The West’s fourth seed averages 117.7 points per game while its opponents average 117.4 points. In terms of dimes and boards, the Lakers average 24.9 (26th) and 41.8 (25th), respectively.
Team leaders* for key categories are Luka Doncic for scoring (34.1 points), assists (8.8), and steals (1.6), Deandre Ayton for rebounding (9.0), and for blocks (1.0).
LA shoots the deep ball at an average of 34.6%, with four players shooting 36.4% or better. Albeit Jaxson Hayes also falls in this category, but has only attempted one 3-point shot this season.
*Minimum 10 games played
Houston Rockets vs. LA Lakers bottom line:
With both teams reeling, this match will probably come down to talent and which stars play. LA is feasting offensively, but the prospect of missing Luka Doncic could be the deciding factor in who wins.
In addition, Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes are game time decsions while Gabe Vincent is out. As for Houston, they’re relatively healthy with Dorian Finney-Smith the only active player out (plus Fred VanVleet)
Houston Rockets vs. LA Lakers Basketball Betting Trends
- Houston is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games.
- The total has gone OVER in 6 of Houston’s last 7 games.
- Houston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games.
- Also, the Lakers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games.
- The total has gone OVER in 9 of the Lakers’ last 12 games.
- Additionally, the Lakers are 11-5 SU in its last 16 games.
Rockets Lakers Free Pick: Rockets -2.5
Here is my Spurs Lakers free pick.
The Lakers have been one of the best offenses this season; however, the defense lacks a lot to be desired. That’s due to the slowness of the players, and when your youngster is Doncic, it’s understandable why this team is focused on defense, although it’s not translating to the court.
The Lakers schedule has shifted and with it the losses have increased. A major concern has to be the reserve unit as the Lakers bench scores the least amount of points in the NBA (30th).
Houston arrives viewing this game as a major test and will likely approach this contest as a measuring stick.
If Doncic can’t go, I like Houston to win and cover, but with the uncertainty of his position, I’m torn.
Suffice it to say, if Luka suits up, I’d consider changing your bet to the Lakers, but with the uncertainty of his presence, I’ll take Houston to win and cover.
Today’s NBA Free Pick
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NBA Betting Tweet Of The Day
These last two games have really shown us how terrible Lakers bench is
— 🎭 (@MaskedInLA) December 24, 2025
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