- The Lakers get ready to host a Rockets team that now looks very different. But, Los Angeles is still the 7.5-point favorite in the NBA betting lines.
- How will the new-look Rockets fare against the mighty King LeBron and Anthony Davis?
Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers
This game's outcome will be decided on the hardcourt, but does Houston's changes to their ranks present a challenge to LeBron and the Lakers? Keep reading to get the free pick!
- When: February 06, 2020, 10:30 PM ET
- Where: Staples Center
- NBA Betting Lines: Lakers -7.5
- Over/Under: 237
- Moneyline: Rockets +270 vs. Lakers -325
Betting on the Rockets? Record: 22-27, 10th in the NBA Western Conference
The Rockets just traded for former Minnesota forward, Robert Covington, and sent Clint Capela to the Hawks. Houston also received forward Jordan Bell.
Covington brings a lot of what the Rockets were looking for: a player who can fit in with the way Houston plays basketball. The problem is that the Rockets lost Capela in the process, and this may hurt them against teams such as the Lakers, who have an enormous front line.
Without Capela in the mix, I think the Rockets will have a hard time against the bigger Lakers team. Covington may or may not fold, but five against one is just too much of an advantage.
Betting on the Lakers? Record: 37-11, 1st in the NBA Western Conference
The entire basketball world was rocked with Kobe's death. The tragedy's epicenter was in Los Angeles, though, and it ripped through the Lakers' hearts like nothing else has.
Despite the turmoil, the Lakers are the first in the Western Conference with a 38-11 record and are 14-4 SU in their last 18 games.
Los Angeles hasn't made any moves yet before the NBA trade deadline; however, speculations were surrounding a Kuzma trade. Those rumors appear to be unfounded, and it looks like Kuzma is staying in LA.
The Lakers are in Mamba-mode, so expect them to light up the scoreboard. In the ten of the Lakers' last twelve games, the total has gone OVER, including four of their last five at home.
Rockets Offense vs. Lakers Offense
- Total Score: 118.80 vs. 114.29
- Field Goal %: 45.24 vs. 48.62
- Three-Point %: 34.81 vs. 36.23
- Free Throw %: 78.27 vs. 73.59
- Total Rebounds: 46.26 vs. 46.06
Betting Trends
- The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last seven games.
- Houston is 4-1 SU in their last five games.
- Houston is 2-6 ATS in their last eight games against LA Lakers.
- The total has gone OVER in 10 of LA Lakers' last 12 games.
- LA Lakers are 14-4 SU in their last 18 games.
- The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Lakers' last five games against Houston.
Insider Prediction: The Lakers haven't made any trades yet; but, I don't believe there'll be any surprises by game time. The Lakers beating the Rockets at home by eight? I think it's about right.
Pick: Lakers -7.5