James Harden is running away with his third consecutive NBA scoring title for the Rockets. Specifically, The Beard makes Houston a threat to win any time they take to the hardwood. Houston’s offense is at an elite and at a machine-like, level for NBA bets. Of major concern for coach Mike D’Antoni and the Rockets playoff prospects is a substandard defense. D’Antoni has gone back to his run and gun ways after two years of coaxing good defense out of Houston. By contrast, the Lakers are one of the Association’s most complete teams. LA’s been profitable despite a heavy public appeal.
Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers
| Date and Time: | Thursday, March 12, 2020, 10:30 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Staples Center, Los Angeles, California |
| Rockets vs. Lakers TV Coverage: | TNT |
| Betting on NBA odds at SBG: | Click Here |
Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers Overview
Late on the Lakers have been in excellent offshore betting form with eight payouts in 10 games. Los Angeles is 49-13 straight up, 35-26-1 against the spread and 30-32 under the total. Correlate NBA metrics of the seventh for the scoring offense and third in points allowed. Los Angeles is running away with the Western Conference race and top seed for the 2020 NBA Playoffs.
Of great concern to gamblers is a free fall by the Rockets. Houston has covered only one of their last seven games. As a result, the Rockets are 39-24 straight up, 29-34 versus the odds, an 28-35 under the total. Houston ranks second in the NBA for the scoring offense and 22nd in points allowed. Dallas has closed to within one game of the Rockets for first place in the Southwest Division. Specifically, D’Antoni may have to reevaluate letting the defense slip so badly.
Key Rockets: SG James Harden (34.3 PTS, 6.4 REB, 7.4 AST, 43.3 FGPCT, 35.0 3PPCT, 86.4 FTPCT), PG Russell Westbrook (27.5 PTS, 8.1 REB, 7.0 AST, 47.1 FGPCT, 25.4 3PPCT, 77.6 FTPCT)
Key Lakers: PF Anthony Davis (26.7 PTS, 9.4 REB, 3.1 AST, 51.2 FGPCT, 32.8 3PPCT, 84.5 FTPCT), LeBron James (25.7 PTS, 7.8 REB, 10.6 AST, 49.7 FGPCT, 34.7 3PPCT, 70.4 FTPCT)
Houston and Los Angeles Against the Spread
The Rockets Are:
- 5-4-1 against the spread in their last 10 away games
- 2-5 under the total on the road
- 9-3 versus the odds in their last 12 games at the Lakers
- 3-7 under the total in away matchups with LA
- 14-6 versus the odds in their last 20 games as a dog
- 5-4 over the total when getting points
The Lakers Are:
- 8-4 against the spread in their last 12 games as a favorite
- 4-6 under the total when laying points
- 6-3 on the board in their last nine games with Houston
- 11-4 over the total in their head to head series with the Rockets
- 7-4 versus the line at Staples Center
- 2-4 under the total in their last six home games
Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers NBA Bets Picks
In this situation, the Lakers’ vastly superior defense should be an NBA Bets advantage. Los Angeles has been an improved value both at home and as chalk this season. Houston has been a good value at LA but their defense leaves the door wide open for a Laker payout.
Rockets vs. Lakers NBA Bet Pick: Los Angeles Lakers
Rockets vs. Lakers NBA Bets Score Prediction: Lakers 114, Rockets 105