Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets Predictions, Odds & Picks

• The Los Angeles Lakers look to bounce back from a devastating loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
• The Houston Rockets hope to recover from their first loss of the NBA restart schedule.
• The season series between these two teams is tied 1-1.

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LA Lakers vs Houston Rockets Odds

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LA Lakers at Houston Rockets Predictions and Odds

The Lakers are 2-2 in their first four games of the restart, despite the fact that they’ve clinched the playoffs and the Western Conference already. Despite their recent blowout, we see the Lakers take this match against the Rockets due to their offensive and defensive versatility.

Picks:

Los Angeles Lakers defeat Houston Rockets -114

How to Watch LA Lakers vs Houston Rockets

Los Angeles Lakers (Away) Stats and Preview

The Los Angeles Lakers were taken by surprise in their most recent loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Much like their earlier loss to the Toronto Raptors, the Lakers’ outside shooting failed them.

As is standard, despite the poor overall team performance, LeBron James continues to lead by example for the Lakers. James had 19 points and 11 rebounds in the Lakers’ blowout loss to the Thunder. Averaging 19.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 7.0 assists in the resumed NBA schedule, James’ stats are more understated but just as effective.

The Lakers will face one of the most unique offences when they face the Houston Rockets. Houston’s small ball has been hard to deal with, so the Lakers will have to prove they have the solution.

Los Angeles Lakers Roster Notes

(G) Rajon Rondo – 13 Jul 2020 – OUT (Thumb) Expected to be out until at least September 1st.

(G) Avery Bradley – 23 Jun 2020 – OUT (Sitting Out) Bradley has chosen to not participate in the NBA’s return.

(C) Dwight Howard – 5 Aug 2020 – Out (Knee) – Howard is out for Wednesday’s (Aug. 5) game against Oklahoma City.

Houston Rockets (Home) Stats and Preview

The Houston Rockets have put on quite a performance since the season has resumed. They’ve put up tremendous performances against the Bucks and Mavericks and only lost by a tight margin against the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Rockets have been in tight games since their schedule resumed. Powered by an overall team effort, the Rockets team have been receiving solid production from every position. Of course, it is star duo Russell Westbrook and James Harden that lead the line.

The Rockets face the second-best defence in the NBA in the Los Angeles Lakers. After averaging 125 per game over their first three, they’ll have to prove their offence is effective against one of the league’s best.

Houston Rockets Roster Notes

(G) Eric Gordon – 29 July 2020 – Out (Ankle) – Gordon is expected to miss the next two weeks with a left ankle sprain.

(F) Thabo Sefolosha – 1 July 2020 – Out (Undisclosed) – Sefolosha announced that he will not play in the NBA season restart in Orlando.

(F) David Nwaba – 23 June 2020 – Out For Season (Achilles) – Nwaba is recovering from an Achilles injury and will not play in the NBA season restart in Orlando.

What’s At Stake?

A win for the Los Angeles Lakers would bring them within 1.5 games of first overall in the league.

A win for the Houston Rockets would bring them to level with the Utah Jazz for fourth overall in the Western Conference.

The Los Angeles Lakers lead the all-time series against the Houston Rockets 116-78.

The Lakers’ Defence Still Holds

King coming through ?

(?: @SpectrumSN & ESPN) pic.twitter.com/t6rGDoapAq

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) August 5, 2020

Yes, the Los Angeles Lakers were blown out by the Oklahoma City Thunder in their last match. After allowing the Thunder to score 105 points to their own 86, you’d think there was little to draw from, but that isn’t the case. Despite losing by 19, the Lakers were still able to hold the Thunder to just 43% shooting from the field.

The Lakers’ versatility and length on the defensive end will always be there for them. Their shooting on the other hand, is a little sketchy. When they face the small ball Rockets, their ability to switch at every position will be incredibly valuable.

This is a Test for the Rockets

LET’S GO!!!

? @russwest44 pic.twitter.com/NcDtsoLugj

— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) August 5, 2020

Mike D’Antoni is famous for his successful regular season teams, but their disappointments during the postseason. To this point in NBA history, Mike D’Antoni hasn’t fielded a championship-worthy team. This Rockets side though, is one of his best.

In two games against the Lakers the Rockets have averaged 118.0 points to their opponents’ 117.5. In their win against LA earlier this season the Rockets shot 50.6% from the field and 45.2% from three. They weren’t able to contain Anthony Davis, who scored 32 points on 66.7% from the field. After giving up plenty in the paint against the Trail Blazers, the Rockets will have to either ramp up their defensive effort or have another spectacular shooting night against a Lakers side looking to bounce back.