The Houston Rockets (17-10) face the Los Angeles Lakers (19-9) on Christmas Day at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, with tip-off set for 8 p.m. ET (ABC / ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Rockets vs. Lakers odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
2024-25 season series: Lakers won 2-1
The Rockets dropped their fourth game in 5 outings Tuesday night, losing 128-108 to the LA Clippers. Houston failed to cover as 7-point road favorites as the Over (219) cashed. F Kevin Durant scored a team-high 22 points, while C Alperen Sengun posted a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds, adding 7 assists. The Rockets close a 6-game road trip on Christmas Day in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles dropped its second straight game Tuesday night, losing 132-108 to the Phoenix Suns. The Lakers failed to cover as 2-point road underdogs as the over (227.5) hit with ease. All 5 starters scored in double figures, led by F LeBron James’ 23 points. C Deandre Ayton added a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, and G Marcus Smart went 4-for-8 from long range.
Rockets at Lakers odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:01 a.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML): Rockets -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | Lakers +115 (bet $100 to win $115)Against the spread (ATS): Rockets -2.5 (-110) | Lakers +2.5 (-110)Over/Under (O/U): 230.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)Rockets at Lakers key injuries
Rockets
FÂ Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) questionableCÂ Alperen Sengun (calf) questionableFÂ Jae’Sean Tate (wrist) questionable
Lakers
GÂ Luka Doncic (leg) questionableFÂ Rui Hachimura (groin) probableFÂ Jaxson Hayes (ankle) questionableGÂ Gabe Vincent (back) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Rockets at Lakers picks and predictionsPrediction
Lakers 119, Rockets 117
BET LAKERS (+115).
I’m backing the Lakers here, mostly because the market has swung too far toward Houston. Both teams are coming off ugly losses, but this feels like a classic buy-low spot on Los Angeles. The Rockets just wrapped another rough showing against the Clippers and are finishing a long road trip that looks like it’s worn them down. Houston has covered just once in its last 7 games, and December hasn’t been kind to them when laying points.
The Lakers haven’t played great either, but they’re back home, where this matchup has consistently favored them. Los Angeles has won 9 of the last 10 meetings at home against Houston, and the Rockets haven’t beaten the Lakers in L.A. since 2020. That matters in a game that profiles as tight.
I also trust the Lakers far more in close games. They’ve been excellent late this season, while Houston has struggled to close, especially in clutch situations. Even with recent injuries, Los Angeles is trending toward better health, and I’m not stepping in front of a team led by LeBron with G Luka Doncic and G Austin Reaves available.
PASS.
If getting those couple of points will make you feel more secure in your wager, by all means take it. I’ll keep my bet to the moneyline at plus odds.
BET OVER 230.5 (-110).
The Over is the play on Christmas night in Los Angeles. The Lakers are perfect to the Over at Crypto.com Arena this season (11-0), while Houston has seen the Over cash in 12 of 17 road games. Both teams rank top 7 in offensive rating, and recent trends point the same way, with the Over hitting in 7 of the last 10 for each side.
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