Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets Prediction & Picks - NBA
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by Paul Tamayo | in NBA Picks
The No. 4 seed Los Angeles Lakers host the No. 5 seed Houston Rockets in Game 2 of their Western Conference first-round series on Tuesday, April 21, at Crypto.com Arena.
With both teams missing their top scorers in Game 1, it was the Lakers who emerged victorious with a 107-98 win. Luke Kennard led the charge for the Lakers, hitting all his five three-point attempts on his way to 27 markers. LeBron James produced an all-around stat line of 19 points, 8 rebounds, 13 assists, and 2 steals.
All five Lakers starters scored in double digits, but it was their defense that turned the tide. Their excellent defensive rotations forced Houston into a poor shooting night, as the Rockets only shot 37.6% from the field, including 33.3% from the three-point line.
The Lakers won without their top two scorers, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Both stars are expected to be out until at least May 1.
The Rockets also played without Kevin Durant, who was surprisingly crossed off the active lineup pre-game. Durant, who averaged 20.3 points in three games against the Lakers this season, is listed as questionable for Tuesday.
As such, Houston would need a better performance from All-Star center Alperen Sengun, who only shot 31.6% in Game 1.
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Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets Form
Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets Latest Matches
4/6 (67%)
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Los Angeles Lakers against Houston Rockets : Head to Head (H2H)
83 %
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Players list
M. Smart
L. Kennard
L. James
R. Hachimura
A. Thompson
J. Okogie
J. Smith Jr.
K. Durant
Substitutes
D. Knecht
N. Smith Jr.
B. James
J. LaRavia
A. Thiero
J. Vanderbilt
M. Kleber
J. Davison
A. Holiday
R. Sheppard
J. Green
T. Eason
D. Finney-Smith
J. Tate
Los Angeles Lakers - Houston Rockets Key Points
- The Lakers won Game 1,107-98, and lead the series, 1-0.
- The Lakers hold home-court advantage and have controlled the pace even without their primary scorers.
- Rockets star Kevin Durant is still listed as questionable for Game 2.
- The Rockets are reeling after a poor sub-40% shooting performance in Game 1.
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Our Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets Prediction
Playing without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, the Lakers relied on a strong defensive effort to pull off the Game 1 victory. They forced the Rockets to only 37.6% from the field, putting the clamps on All-Star center Alperen Sengun.
The Rockets are reeling from a rough offensive outing, and they might be without superstar forward Kevin Durant for the second straight game. Our prediction for the Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets match is: Lakers (+5.5) cover the spread.
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