by Rod Pearson
Friday, Apr 11, 2025
Game Time: 10:30 pm ET, Friday, April 11, 2025
Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Where to Watch: NBA TV
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
DraftKings: Point Spread: Rockets +10, Lakers -10; Over/Under: 225 points
Bet365: Point Spread: Rockets +10, Lakers -10; Over/Under: 225 points
BetMGM: Point Spread: Rockets +10, Lakers -10; Over/Under: 225 points
Season Record
Houston Rockets: 52-28 (1st place, Southwest Division)
Los Angeles Lakers: 49-31 (1st place, Pacific Division)
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Recent Form
Houston Rockets: 7-3 last 10
Los Angeles Lakers: 6-4 last 10
Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Lakers Preview and Analysis
The Rockets are entering this game with a 52-28 record overall this season and they are 23-16 in their road games this season where they will be in this game. They are entering this game off a loss against the Los Angeles Clippers. Reed Sheppard led the team in points in that game with 20 while Jeff Green was next on the team with 19 points. Jock Landale led the team in assists in that game with 5 while Jock Landale led the team in rebounds with 9. They were 51.1% from the field, 50% from 3-point range, and 70% from the free throw line with their shots in that game. Their offense is averaging 114.4 PPG and their defense is allowing their opponents to average 109.2 PPG against them. The Rockets have an ATS record of 43-36-1 this season and their O/U record is 42-36-2.
The Lakers are entering this game with a 49-31 record overall this season and they are 30-10 in their home games this season where they will be in this game. They are entering this game off a win against the Dallas Mavericks. Luka Dončić led the team in points in that game with 45 while LeBron James was next on the team with 27 points. Luka Dončić led the team in assists in that game with 6 while Luka Dončić led the team in rebounds with 8. They were 46.7% from the field, 33.3% from 3-point range, and 76.2% from the free throw line with their shots in that game. Their offense is averaging 113.5 PPG and their defense is allowing their opponents to average 112.3 PPG against them. The Lakers have an ATS record of 44-34-2 this season and their O/U record is 40-40.
Rockets vs Lakers Prediction
The current betting odds have the Lakers listed as a 10 point favorite in this game according to Draftkings Sportsbook. The Lakers have looked really good in their games this season with their 49-31 record overall which has them right near the top of the West and in a playoff spot. They have also looked great on their home court this year with their 30-10 home record. Meanwhile, the Rockets have looked really good in their games this season with their 52-28 record overall which has them right near the top of the West and in a playoff spot. They have been a good road team too with their 23-16 road record this season, but they don't really have anything to play for here. The Rockets can't catch the Thunder for the number 1 seed in the West, but the Lakers can't catch them for the number 2 seed so the Rockets are locked in at number 2 and will likely rest some players in these last 2 games as they get ready for the playoffs. The Lakers have already clinched a playoff spot too, but they aren't in the same situation since they are more in the tight race in the West and are still playing for seeding. They are 6-4 in their last 10 games and they are coming off a big win over the Mavericks in their last one. The Rockets have looked better lately as they are 7-3 in their last 10 games, but they are coming off a bad loss to the Clippers in their last one and this isn't a game they are going to bring their best effort for. The Lakers still need this game to keep their 3rd overall seed in the West so look for them to get the job done at home. The best way to place a bet here is on the Lakers to cover the spread in this game.
Rockets Lakers Prediction: Our NBA Pick for Friday, April 11, 2025 (10:30 pm ET start time) is Lakers 122 Rockets 107.
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NBA Betting Trends
Houston Rockets: 26-48 ATS off a road loss. 13-21 ATS on the road versus poor pressure defensive teams - forcing 13 turnovers/game or less. 29-43 ATS on the road revenging a loss vs opponent. 20-14 UNDER on the road versus poor pressure defensive teams - forcing 13 turnovers/game or less.
Los Angeles Lakers: 6-2 ATS versus up-tempo teams averaging 93 or more shots/game. 26-17 ATS versus good rebounding teams - outrebounding opponents by 3+ per game. 35-23 ATS when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 60% to 70%). 11-6 UNDER at home after playing 3 consecutive road games.
Key Injuries
Houston Rockets: A. Thompson (SF) Day To Day - Rest. F. VanVleet (PG) Day To Day - Ankle. A. Sengun (C) Day To Day - Back. J. Smith Jr. (PF) Day To Day - Groin.
Los Angeles Lakers: M. Kleber (PF) Out - Foot.
Notable Quotes
“I wanted everybody to feel that same aura that same swag that I’ve been having all year. It was an opportunity to make sure everybody felt how I feel. And walk around with some swag. That was the reason behind it and it felt good.” - James Harden after their win against the Rockets in their game on Wednesday.
“It was a beautiful moment. I thought the video was great. But I think just his ability to then go perform, lights turn on, he’s teary-eyed still as we walk out on the court for the tip ball. To have the emotional resolve to then go put on that kind of performance, it’s superhuman.” - JJ Redick on Luka Doncic after his team’s win against the Mavericks in their game on Wednesday.
Starting Lineups
Houston Rockets
PG Fred VanVleet
SG Jalen Green
SF Amen Thompson
PF Dillon Brooks
C Alperen Sengun
Los Angeles Lakers
PG Luka Doncic
SG Austin Reaves
SF Rui Hachimura
PF LeBron James
C Jaxson Hayes
Statistical Leaders
Houston Rockets
PPG: J. Green (21.4)
APG: F. VanVleet (5.6)
Reb/G: A. Sengun (10.4)
Los Angeles Lakers
PPG: L. Dončić (27.9)
APG: L. James (8.2)
Reb/G: L. Dončić (8.2)
Coaches:
Houston Rockets: Ime Udoka (2nd season)
Los Angeles Lakers: JJ Redick (1st season)
Rod Pearson
About the Author:
Rod Pearson has been a rabid sports fan his entire life. He grew up in Ontario, and was skilled in both hockey and baseball, and pitched in an elite baseball league for many years. In 2022, Rod decided to hang up his glove, so that he could write about the sports he loves -- but from a gambling perspective. Join Rod every day as he breaks down the games to find the best betting value.
