Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets Prediction & Picks : Full Breakdown & Bets

As Marcus Smart takes the court against the Houston Rockets, it's worth considering his recent three-point shooting trends. At home, he's only averaging 1.4 threes made in his last five games, a number that falls short of our target here. Against the Rockets, his home average dips even lower, with just 1.0 made from beyond the arc in their previous matchups. While he's had a perfect hit rate lately, those numbers can be deceiving; he's only managed to net 0.6 threes overall in his last five games. The Lakers' defense might also play a role, as they tighten up on perimeter shooters. With the implied probability suggesting he's right on the edge of this line, going under 1.5 threes seems like a smart play. Let's not chase those fleeting highs-this matchup aligns more with a lower output for Smart.

Amen Thompson (Houston Rockets) Under 7.5 Rebounds (-101)

As Amen Thompson heads into this matchup against the Lakers, we have to consider the context of his recent performances, especially on the road. Averaging just 7.2 rebounds overall in his last five games and 7.8 away, the under on 7.5 seems like a wise move. While he's shown potential against the Lakers in the past, pulling down 10.6 rebounds in their last five matchups, his away numbers against them tell a different story, dropping to just 7 rebounds. With the Lakers boasting a solid frontcourt, Thompson may find it tough to navigate the paint effectively. The organization's defensive schemes are known to limit opposing rebounds, and with Thompson's expected stat value at 6.7, hitting the under feels like a smart bet. The odds are favorable, and with the stakes high, it's likely he won't exceed that 7.5 mark tonight.