Two years ago, the Rockets took eventual champion Golden State to seven games in the Western Conference Finals. Cause by the vastly improved defense was the reason Houston almost ended the Warriors dynasty. This year Houston has reverted back to its old ways. Run and gun basketball is a staple of Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni. However, the defense is needed for NBA betting playoff success. By contrast, the Lakers now have one of the Association’s top defenses. Coach Frank Vogel has gotten a full commitment. Former coach Luke Walton lacked Vogel’s credibility. Houston and Los Angeles could meet in the playoffs.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets
| Date and Time: | Thursday, August 6, 2020, 9 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | The Arena (WWOS), Orlando, Florida |
| Lakers vs. Rockets TV Coverage: | TNT |
| Lakers vs. Rockets SBG Odds: | Click Here |
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets SBG Odds Overview
Although the Rockets are no stranger with the online betting public, they’re not the Lakers. Los Angeles is the most popular and respected NBA team. Which means Houston may offer you more for the dollar. Quality underdogs at neutral courts often make sense.
Los Angeles Lakers Team Overview
Los Angeles is 51-15 straight up and 36-29-1 vs. the line. Overall, the Lakers went over 31 times. LA ranks eight for scoring and second for points allowed. The first place in the West is owned by the Lakers. Los Angeles has dropped three of their last four to the spread.
Key Los Angeles Lakers: PF Anthony Davis 26.7 PTS, 9.4 REB, 3.1 AST, 51.1 FG%, 35.5 3P%, 84.5 FT%, SG LeBron James 25.7, PTS, 7.9 REB, 10.6 AST, 49.8 FG%, 34.9 3P%, 69.7 FT%, PF Kyle Kuzma 12.5 PTS, 4.5 REB, 1.3 AST, 43.2 FG%, 29.7 3P%, 73.8 FT%
Houston Rockets Team Overview
By contrast, the Rockets are 42-24 straight up and 31-35 vs. the line. Houston has gone over just 29 times. NBA metrics show the Rockets first for scoring but 23rd for points allowed. Most important of all Houston won and covered its first to restart matchups.
Key Houston Rockets: SG James Harden 34.4 PTS, 6.4 REB, 7.4 AST, 43.5 FG%, 36.2 3P%, 86.1 FT%, PG Russell Westbrook 27.5 PTS, 8.0 REB, 7.0 AST, 47.4 FG%, 25.4 3P%, 77.7 FT%, SG Eric Gordon 14.5 PTS, 1.9 REB, 1.5 AST, 37.0 FG%, 31.9 3P%, 75.7 FT%
Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets Against the Spread
The Lakers are:
- 2-6 against the line in their last eight games as chalk to Houston
- 8-1 over the total laying points to the Rockets
- 7-4 vs. the odds in their last 11 games as a favorite
- 1-6 under the total when installed as chalk
The Rockets are:
- 3-6 vs. the line in their last nine overall games with the Lakers
- 6-3 over the total vs. Los Angeles
- 14-6 against the spread as a dog
- 5-7 under the total when getting points
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets SBG Best Bet
Normally the Lakers’ defense would likely prove decisive. Or course we are not in normal times. Houston’s strong start at the bubble is playoff quality. Beating the Bucks was evidence of a new Rockets team. Los Angeles has not shown NBA betting reliability in the bubble. Further, the Lakers will bring a price not based on reality. Houston is a quality team that should offer more bang for the buck. Russell Westbrook and James Harden can win shootouts. From this point, the Rockets combine ability and price. Los Angeles must prove they can return to covering their retail prices.
Lakers vs. Rockets SBG Best Bet: Houston Rockets