Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction, Odds and NBA Christmas Picks for Today, 12/25/25

For much of the market cycle, the Los Angeles Lakers were positioned as short favorites, even as Houston surged early and the Lakers were hampered with injuries along with a sluggish start. Now, after both teams are playing winning basketball in the heart of the playoff race, the market has flipped to Houston as a favorite — and in doing so, handed value to the Lakers.

The Houston Rockets deserve credit. They’re a force on the glass and have the ability to stretch the floor. However, the Lakers can match that. Both rosters feature Hall of Fame legends and clutch playmakers. This is a game that would be too close to call if it were a horse race. When a game profiles as a toss up, the prudent choice becomes simple: take the plus money. The Lakers were once favored in this spot, and now they’re available at an underdog price due to one-sided Rockets action rather than the match-up itself. That’s the definition of finding equity in the market. In games like this, price outweighs preference — and the Lakers are the right side in this situation.

Rockets vs Lakers prediction: Los Angeles Lakers ML (+120) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.

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