The prime time NBA betting option Sunday sees the Los Angeles Lakers look to bounce back from a 15-point rout at the hands of the Houston Rockets as the teams renew acquaintances for Game 2 of their Western Conference semifinal series.
Los Angeles struggled to do much offensively against the Rockets' small-ball lineup, while Houston got sensational performances from James Harden and Russell Westbrook to win outright as 6.5-point underdogs.
These are our best NBA free picks and predictions for Rockets vs. Lakers on September 6.
Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Lakers betting preview
NBA Odds to Win Series
Houston: +180
Los Angeles: -220
Injuries
Houston: Thabo Sefolosha SF (Out), G Danuel House Jr. (Questionable)
Los Angeles: Rajon Rondo G (Probable), LeBron James SF (Probable), PF Anthony Davis (Probable)
Find our latest NBA injury reports for every game.
Betting Trend to Know
Houston has won 16 of its previous 20 games against the Lakers. Find more NBA betting trends for Rockets vs. Lakers.
Against the spread pick
Oddsmakers have trimmed the Lakers' spread by a point going into Game 2, but for Los Angeles to come through this time around, it will need to figure out how to make 3-pointers at a much more consistent rate. The Lakers shot just 28.2 percent from long range in the Game 1 defeat and are at a dismal 33.3 percent from deep in the postseason.
Houston isn't much better but takes a ton more 3s than the Lakers. The Rockets have knocked down nearly 18 triples per game so far in the playoffs but had just 14 in the win over Los Angeles. That suggests there's plenty of room for improvement, but Houston might not even need to be better if the Lakers continue to struggle as they have from 3-point territory.
Expect the Lakers to put forth a much stronger effort in Game 2 – but Houston should be able to keep it close.
PREDICTION: Houston +5.5 (-110)
Over/Under pick
Secondary scoring continues to be a significant problem for the Lakers. It wasn't as big an issue when LeBron and AD tore the Portland defense to ribbons in Round 1, but with the Rockets boasting a much stouter defense (we know, it sounds strange to us too), L.A. will need more than the 52 points it got from players other than LeBron James and Anthony Davis in the Game 1 defeat.
But LeBron and Davis combined for just 31 field goal attempts, and will almost certainly see more shots in Game 2 (particularly if the game is close down the stretch). Simply put, the Lakers need them to dominate – and that gives us hope that the Lakers will put up more points in Game 2, sending this game Over the total. It could be close, but we like our chances.
PREDICTION: Over 224 (-110)
First-quarter prop pick
We have no doubt the Rockets will do their part to send the first-quarter total soaring above the Vegas number. Houston averages 29.5 first-quarter points for the season, second only to Dallas. And there's a good chance AD will play all 12 first-quarter minutes for the Lakers while LeBron will be looking to generate offense from the jump.
The teams put up 57 first-quarter points in Game 1 – and we see that number being even higher Sunday.
PREDICTION: First Quarter Over 57.5 (-110)
Rockets vs Lakers Betting Card
- Houston +5.5 (-110)
- Over 224 (-110)
- First Quarter Over 57.5 (-110)
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