by Rod Pearson
Saturday, Nov 18, 2023
Game Time: 9:30 pm ET, Sunday, November 19, 2023
Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Where to Watch: Sportsnet LA
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
DraftKings: Point Spread: Rockets +5.5, Lakers -5.5; Over/Under: 218.5 points
Bet365: Point Spread: Rockets +5.5, Lakers -5.5; Over/Under: 218.5 points
BetMGM: Point Spread: Rockets +5.5, Lakers -5.5; Over/Under: 218.5 points
Season Record
Houston Rockets: 6-4 (2nd place, Southwest Division)
Los Angeles Lakers: 7-6 (2nd place, Pacific Division)
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Recent Form
Houston Rockets: 6-4 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 6-4 record overall and they are 0-3 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 in their last game. Alperen Şengün led the team in points in that game with 23 while Jalen Green was next on the team with 20 points. Fred VanVleet led the team in assists in that game with 10 while Fred VanVleet and Alperen Şengün each led the team in rebounds with 8. They were 43.2% from the field, 32.3% from 3-point range, and 70% from the free throw line with their shots in that game. Their offense is averaging 109.9 PPG and their defense is allowing their opponents to average 105.8 PPG against them. The Rockets have an ATS record of 6-3-1 this season and their O/U record is 3-7.
The Lakers are entering this game with a 7-6 record overall and they are 5-1 in their home games this season where they will be in this game. They are entering this game off a win against the Portland Trail Blazers in their last game. LeBron James led the team in points in that game with 35 while Anthony Davis was next on the team with 16 points. LeBron James led the team in assists in that game with 9 while Anthony Davis led the team in rebounds with 14. They were 49.5% from the field, 40% from 3-point range, and 68.2% from the free throw line with their shots in that game. Their offense is averaging 112.4 PPG and their defense is allowing their opponents to average 114.3 PPG against them. The Lakers have an ATS record of 5-8 this season and their O/U record is 5-8.
Rockets vs Lakers Prediction
The current betting odds have the Lakers listed as a 5.5 point favorite in this game according to Draftkings Sportsbook. The Lakers haven't had the best start this season with their 7-6 record overall but they have looked a lot better in their games lately. They won their last game and will be looking to get back on a streak now, especially since they have been great at home this year with their 5-1 home record. Meanwhile, the Rockets have also looked good this season with their 6-4 record overall and their new look team, but they have also been terrible in their road games with their 0-3 road record. They also lost in their last game to the Clippers at home and now have to travel to LA for this game against a rested Lakers team that is starting to get hot. The Lakers are going to get back on a roll here with a big win at home as their team is rested and healthy. 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 Sunday, November 19, 2023 (9:30 pm ET start time) is Lakers 124 Rockets 114.
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NBA Betting Trends
Houston Rockets: 7-3 ATS in all games. 13-7 ATS after 3 or more consecutive unders. 6-0 ATS after a game where they covered the spread. 18-8 OVER in a road game where the total is 220 to 229.5. 12-4 OVER off a road cover where the team lost straight up as an underdog.
Los Angeles Lakers: 7-25 ATS revenging a blowout loss vs opponent of 30 points or more. 9-23 ATS off a road win. 21-12 OVER after 2 or more consecutive unders. 22-15 OVER after allowing 105 points or less.
Key Injuries
Houston Rockets: A. Thompson (SG) Late Nov - Ankle. V. Oladipo (SG) Out indefinitely - Knee.
Los Angeles Lakers: J. Vanderbilt (SF) Late Nov - Heel. G. Vincent (SG) Late Nov - Knee.
Notable Quotes
“I feel like Kawhi was their first option. But with three All-Stars and Hall of Famers on their team, I feel like the job wasn’t done, and he just made a tough shot.” - Jabari Smith Jr after their loss against the Clippers in their game on Friday.
“I mean, it’s been a little topsy-turvy for us, a little inconsistency mixed in, in those first 13 games. But this is the early part of the season. Those first 20 games, you’re trying to figure yourselves out.” - Darvin Ham after his team’s win against the Trail Blazers in their game on Friday.
Starting Lineups
Houston Rockets
PG Fred VanVleet
SG Jalen Green
SF Dillon Brooks
PF Jabari Smith Jr.
C Alperen Sengun
Los Angeles Lakers
PG D'Angelo Russell
SG Cam Reddish
SF LeBron James
PF Rui Hachimura
C Anthony Davis
Statistical Leaders
Houston Rockets
PPG: A. Sengun (19.8)
APG: F. VanVleet (8.1)
Reb/G: A. Sengun (8.2)
Los Angeles Lakers
PPG: L. James (25.5)
APG: D. Russell (6.5)
Reb/G: A. Davis (11.8)
Coaches:
Houston Rockets: Ime Udoka (1st season)
Los Angeles Lakers: Darvin Ham (2nd 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.
