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Houston Rockets

Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction, Odds and NBA Playoffs Game 2 Picks for Tomorrow, 04/21/26

Crypto.com ArenaNBC
Rockets
Rockets
Tomorrow
Lakers
Lakers
WWLWL
Last 5
LWWWW
0-1Record1-0
35-48-0ATS Record43-40-0
39-44O/U Record44-39
Los Angeles Lakers

Rockets vs Lakers Pickswise Expert Predictions

Point Spread Pick
HOU Rockets -4.5(-110)

Will Kevin Durant play? That is the most important question going into Game 2. After bumping knees with a teammate in warm-ups last week, KD opted to sit out the series opener as he just wasn’t feeling right. Without him the Rockets offense just looked discombobulated, despite taking 27 (!!!) shots more than the Lakers and outrebounding them 44-35 (and 21-3 on offense), Houston just couldn’t do much even against a shorthanded Lakers team. Game 2 is massive for them now, going down 2-0 would mean they’d need to win 4 of the next 6 which would be extremely tough. Is it time to hit the panic button after just one game?

The Lakers played an extremely efficient brand of basketball on offense, at least from a shot selection perspective. They ended the game shooting 61% from the field and 53% from three, with Luke Kennard leading the way scoring 27 pts on a perfect 5-for-5 from downtown. LA did turn the ball over 18 times which is concerning, but then again with only LeBron and Marcus Smart being able to play make on offense that’s not really surprising. Speaking of LeBron, he ended the game with 13 assists, doing his best Magic Johnson impression in Luka’s absence. I do not anticipate the Lakers changing things up all that much for Game 2, realistically what can they even change with their two best players being out?

KD playing or not makes all the difference here. With two days in between Games 1 and 2 one would think he would have enough time to fully recover. Houston has the experience of winning in LA, having done so earlier this season in the lone meeting at Crypto.com Arena. This is a must-win situation as it can be after just one game played for a team and I think Ime Udoka and his men respond. Give me Houston to cover.

Rockets vs Lakers prediction: Rockets -4.5 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.

BET -4.5 NOW WITH
Filip Tomic
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Filip Tomic

Long-time NBA fan, following the game closely for 21 years now. Joined the Pickswise writing staff for the 2020-21 season and have given out winning picks since. Hopefully we can make some money together! Oh, and I firmly believe Lebron James is not one of the two best basketball players of all time. Yeah, I said it. For Filip Tomic media enquiries, please email contact@pickswise.com.
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Money Line

The Lakers have won 4 of their last 5 home games against Western Conference teams.

Point Spread

The Lakers are 26-16 ATS at home this season.

Game Totals

5 of the Rockets' last 6 road matchups against the Lakers have stayed under the Total.

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