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Jason Logan<\/a> 21+ years betting experience<\/p>\n \n Updated: \u2022 4 min read<\/p>\n Logan’s prediction: Rui helps Lakers push Rockets to the brink.<\/p>\n Photo By – Reuters Connect. Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and forward Rui Hachimura (28).<\/p>\n The Houston Rockets face an uphill battle tonight as they host the Los Angeles Lakers, who are confident and holding a 2-0 series lead.\u00a0<\/p>\n To make matters worse, the Rockets will be without Kevin Durant once again, and that has seen the Rockets’ spread shorten.\u00a0<\/p>\n My Lakers vs. Rockets predictions and NBA picks<\/a> believe Rui Hachimura can be a difference maker for the Lakers on Friday, April 24.\u00a0<\/p>\n UPDATE: Added new selections after Kevin Durant’s injury news. \u00a0<\/p>\n Lakers vs Rockets prediction Rockets:\u00a0Houston has enjoyed extra time to rest and reset, ironing out the offensive kinks in time for a win in Game 3.<\/p>\n The Rockets are still laying -6.5 on Friday, and while that may be a tad too much, Houston will get right.<\/p>\n Lakers vs Rockets best bet: Rui Hachimura Over 13.5 points (-110)<\/p>\n Rui Hachimura<\/a> has quietly carved out a consistent scoring role for the Los Angeles Lakers<\/a>, and the matchup sets up well for that to continue.<\/p>\n The Houston Rockets<\/a> have shown a tendency to collapse into the paint, leaving corner shooters exposed \u2014 exactly where Hachimura thrives.<\/p>\n He\u2019s already posted 13 and 14 points in the first two games while shooting 11-for-20 from the field, and most of that production is coming on clean, repeatable looks.<\/p>\n With steady minutes and a slight bump in available shots, this number is still a step behind his current role.<\/p>\n Enjoying Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account The Rockets may win this one, but the spread seems out of whack considering how well the Lakers are playing right now. I expect some offensive adjustments from Houston, but I don\u2019t think they’re going to pull away.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Lakers have gotten some great performances from their role players, and Rui Hachimura has been quietly consistent through two games. He\u2019s shooting a collective 11-for-20 from the field (5-for-10 on 3-pointers), doesn\u2019t shrink on the road, and is projected for as many as 15 points in Game 3.<\/p>\n Lakers vs Rockets SGP<\/p>\n Lakers +6.5 Our “from downtown” SGP: Opportunity knocks for LBJ<\/p>\n
\n \u2022 Senior Betting Analyst<\/p>\n
\nApr 24, 2026 , 07:06 PM ET<\/p>\n
\nWho will win Lakers vs Rockets Game 3?<\/p>\n![\"Add](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1777079920_139_google-preferred-source-badge.png\"){kind=icon}
<\/a>Lakers vs Rockets same-game parlay<\/p>\n
\nRui Hachimura Over 13.5 points<\/p>\n