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

As the Lakers gear up to face the Rockets, all eyes will be on Marcus Smart, but bettors may want to consider betting the under on his three-point makes at 1.5. Despite the allure of a home crowd, Smart has averaged only 1.4 threes in his last five games at home and a mere 0.6 overall. Against Houston specifically, he's managed just 1.2 threes in recent encounters, and at home, that dips to an even more modest 1 make. While Smart's performance has been solid lately, hitting 4 out of 5 at home, his overall trend suggests he's not consistently a deep threat. With the Lakers' defensive prowess and Smart's current form, it's hard to envision him exceeding that 1.5 mark. Given these insights, taking the under feels like a smart play in this matchup.

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

As Amen Thompson faces off against the Lakers, there's a compelling case for taking the under on his rebounds, set at 7.5. While he has flashed potential with an average of 7.2 rebounds in his last five games, his performance tends to dip when he's on the road-down to 7.8 per game. The Lakers are a formidable opponent, and historically, Thompson has averaged just 7 rebounds against them when playing away. This matchup could further hinder his rebounding opportunities, especially against a Lakers team that excels in boxing out and limiting second-chance points. With an expected stat value of 6.7, the under feels like a savvy play. It's clear that the odds are leaning toward Thompson struggling to hit that 7.5 mark, making this bet not just plausible but a smart move for those looking to capitalize on the numbers.