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Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets Prediction, Odds and NBA Playoffs Game 3 Picks for Today, 04/24/26

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Lakers
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Today
Rockets
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Last 5
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2-0Record0-2
44-40-0ATS Record35-49-0
44-40O/U Record39-45
Houston Rockets

Lakers vs Rockets Pickswise Expert Predictions

Point Spread Pick
LA Lakers +10.0(-110)

The Houston Rockets find themselves in a must-win scenario when they head back to Houston Friday night to take on the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 3 of their opening-round series. The Lakers took the first 2 games despite Luka Doncic and Austin Reeves sitting out with injuries. With a 41-year-old LeBron James taking over as their #1 scoring option, the Lakers have turned to their defense to win the opening games. In fact, the Lakers have held the Rockets under 100 points and under 40% shooting in each of the opening contests.

On offense, James has been great, but the real scoring threat that the Rockets haven’t been able to slow down is Luke Kennard, who has averaged 25 points on 65% shooting in the 2 games played in Los Angeles. The Lakers only hope his play will continue on the road.

To pick up the win Friday night, the Rockets will need their stars to shine much brighter than they did in Los Angeles. Alperen Sengun struggled in the opening games, averaging 19.5 points on only 38.5% shooting. Head coach Ime Udoka hoped Sengun would have a big advantage down low matching up against Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes, but so far that has not been the case. Meanwhile, Kevin Durant returned to the floor for Game 2 and played 41 minutes. He shot an efficient 58% but only took 12 shots in the game. Durant is listed as questionable for Game 3 with an ankle injury, but I expect he plays this vital game. With no true point guard, this offense runs through Durant, and the Rockets will need Durant to be more aggressive offensively in Game 3 if they want a chance to advance.

I think the Rockets can win Game 3, but they have too many question marks to back them as double-digit favorites. Durant’s injury status and Sengun’s struggles are now just stacked on top of the team’s lack of a starting point guard and depth. The Lakers have all the momentum heading to Houston, and they have seen a lot of key players gain valuable playoff confidence.  They know they have the Rockets reeling right now, and I expect them to do enough to at least keep this game closer than oddsmakers project.

Lakers vs Rockets Game 4 prediction: LA Lakers +10 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable to +9.

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Ben Dezell
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Ben Dezell

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Point Spread

The Lakers have failed to cover in 5 of their last 7 games as a road underdog.

Game Totals

5 of the Rockets' last 7 home games have gone over the Total.

Money Line

Betting the Lakers on the money line in all games this season would have shown a 112% return on investment.

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