Marcus Smart (Los Angeles Lakers) Under 4.5 Assists (-154)

Odds available at fanduel at time of publishing

As the Lakers prepare to face the Rockets, all eyes should be on Marcus Smart's assist line, particularly the under at 4.5. While Smart has flashed playmaking skills, recent trends suggest he might struggle to hit that mark against Houston. Over his last five games, he's averaged just 2 assists against this opponent and his overall assists dip slightly at home, bringing in an average of 4.8.Moreover, his performance against the Rockets at home paints an even clearer picture; he's managed just 5.5 assists per game recently, and with an impressive hit rate of 15 out of his last 18 games going under this line, the trend is hard to ignore. With the Lakers' offensive dynamics shifting, I expect Smart to be more focused on defense, making the under a smart play here.

LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers) Under 34.5 Points + Assists (-108)

Odds available at fanduel at time of publishing

As the Lakers gear up to face the Rockets, it's worth keeping an eye on LeBron James and his points plus assists total, currently set at 34.5. While we all know LeBron can light up the scoreboard, recent trends suggest he might struggle to meet that lofty mark. In his last five games, he's averaging a modest 23 points and 9.2 assists. Even more telling, at home, those numbers dip to about 19 points and 8.8 assists. Against the Rockets, who are no slouches defensively, LeBron's averages drop-he's clocked in at just 20.2 points and 5.8 assists in their last matchups. With a remarkable 11 out of 12 home games hitting the under on this line, it's clear he's been more of a facilitator than a scorer lately. Expect LeBron to play smart, making the under a compelling choice for this matchup.

Marcus Smart (Los Angeles Lakers) Under 17.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-102)

Odds available at fanduel at time of publishing

As the Lakers prepare to face the Rockets, Marcus Smart's recent performance suggests a solid opportunity to bet the under on his combined points, rebounds, and assists at 17.5. Over his last five games, he's averaged just 6.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists, totaling around 14, well below our target. At home, those numbers dip slightly, with averages of 9 points and 4.8 assists. Against Houston specifically, he's been even less productive, netting only 7 points and a mere 1.6 rebounds in their recent matchups. The trend continues with a solid hit rate-he's gone under this mark in 15 of his last 19 games and 9 of 12 at home. With the Lakers looking to tighten their defense, it's hard to see Smart breaking through that 17.5 barrier. Keep your eyes on this one; the numbers certainly favor the under.

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