NBA

Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers odds, picks and best bets

Marcus Mosher

Sportsbook Wire

The Houston Rockets play Game 2 of their Western Conference Semifinals series against the Los Angeles Lakers Sunday in the Lake Buena Vista, Fla., bubble. Tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m. ET (on ESPN). Below, we analyze the Rockets-Lakers NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Rockets vs. Lakers: Key injuries

Rockets

PF Luc Mbah a Moute (knee) questionable
SG Daniel House Jr. (head) questionable

Lakers

PF Anthony Davis (finger) probable
F LeBron James (groin) probable
PG Rajon Rondo (back) probable

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Rockets vs. Lakers:Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 8:50 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Rockets 112, Lakers 105

Moneyline (ML)

The Lakers (-250) open Game 2 as slight favorites over the ROCKETS ( +200). The Lakers are coming off a rough Game 1 loss and will likely try to make some adjustments by going bigger on offense to take advantage of the lack of size by the Rockets.

With the Lakers struggling so much recently with their shooting, it wouldn't be surprising if they dropped another game to the Rockets. Considering the odds and their recent success against the Lakers, TAKE HOUSTON (+200) to win this game outright.

Also see:

LeBron James expresses more concern over turnovers than team defense (LeBronWire)
Anthony Davis didn't score when guarded by P.J. Tucker in Game 1 (RocketsWire)

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The underdog ROCKETS ( +5.5, -110) are the play once again in this matchup. The Lakers have failed to cover the spread in 11 of their last 15 games, while the Rockets have covered the spread in 17 of their last 20 games against Los Angeles.

Look for this game to be closer than Game 2 as the Lakers will certainly play with a higher sense of urgency. Still, expect the Rockets to win and cover Sunday evening.

Over/Under (O/U)

The O/U is 223.5. While both of these offenses can score with the best of them, expect the Lakers to try to slow down the pace of this contest.

Despite being one of the best offenses in the NBA, it's worth noting the Under has hit in 11 of the last 15 games featuring the Rockets. Take the UNDER 223.5 (-110) in this Game 2 matchup between the Lakers and Rockets.

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