The Los Angeles Lakers (2-0) and Houston Rockets (0-2) will switch the backdrop to the Toyota Center for a crucial Game 3 tonight, Friday, April 24. Tip-off from Houston, Texas is slated for 8:00 p.m. ET, with the action broadcasting live on Amazon Prime Video.
Despite trailing by two games, the Rockets are 8.5-point home favorites over the Lakers in Game 3, with the over/under set at 206.5 total points. Houston is a -330 moneyline favorite to begin its climb back into the series, while the Lakers are priced at +265 to secure a commanding 3-0 lead.
Let's break down my Lakers vs. Rockets predictions and top NBA betting picks for tonight’s playoff showdown.
Lakers vs Rockets Prediction, Pick
- Lakers vs Rockets pick: Over 206.5 (-114)
My Lakers vs. Rockets Game 3 betting prediction is on the total to go over 206.5 points. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Lakers vs Rockets Odds: Game 3
| Lakers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+8.5 -106 | 206.5 -114o / -106u | +265 |
| Rockets Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-8.5 -114 | 206.5 -114o / -106u | -330 |
Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets Game 3 Preview
Rockets Betting Preview, Analysis
Great job by JJ Redick, and an embarrassing job by Ime Udoka so far in this series.
The Rockets have proven they cannot be taken seriously — but this is where the fun and games stop, for at least one game.
Houston’s offense isn’t underperforming, it’s subterranean. It can’t be identified from space. It’s been so much worse than any offense would have reason to be.
At some point, this is likely to turn, and if you picked one game, it would be Game 3 in Houston. Role players shoot better at home. That means Jabari Smith Jr., Reed Sheppard, and Josh Okogie.
I believe, Domantas Sabo… sorry, Alperen Sengun will eventually look like the All-Star player he’s capable of being. He may not be great, but surely he’ll be better than the wretched mess he was in the first two games.
Lakers Betting Preview, Analysis
The Lakers’ defense is also probably a bit over their skis right now.
The Lakers have schemed well against a predictable and limited Rockets offense, but Udoka’s staff will have enough base counters to find ways to create better shots — and if not, the defense might still be able to hold it down if LA's role players slow down on the road.
Lakers vs Rockets Picks, Best Bets
Total: Over 206.5
If I like Houston’s role players, I’m going to like the offense to regress positively. I gave a nine-point drop for playoff adjustments in totals and still come in 12 points over this number.
That’s how much the Rockets’ offense has underperformed and how much the Lakers miss Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic.
If Reaves goes, this total will get steamed up. But again, the Rockets should find more counters.
I think this could be an easy over with transition dunks off turnovers fueling the Rockets.
Spread: Rockets -8.5
Reaves is questionable for this game, so don’t bet the spread quite yet. If Reaves gets upgraded and plays, this spread will drop well within my projection — hence, showing even more value on the Rockets.
However, with or without Reaves, I think Houston gets on the board to cut the series lead to 2-1 in Game 3, setting up a huge Game 4.
Player Prop: Marcus Smart Over 17.5 Points & Assists
Marcus Smart can run a basic offense. He’s a veteran who played point guard for many years and understands how to operate, especially when playing off LeBron James and alongside Luke Kennard.
The game is simple for him, and the Rockets can’t commit a lot of resources to him because they don't have enough wing defenders. He’ll continue to put up numbers in this series, even if Reaves returns.
Lakers vs Rockets Game 3 Betting Predictions
- Over 206.5 (-114)
- Marcus Smart Over 17.5 Points & Assists (-110)
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Lakers vs Rockets Betting Trends
