LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers) Under 34.5 Points + Assists (-114)

Odds available at fanduel at time of publishing

As the Lakers prepare to face the Rockets at home, eyes are on LeBron James, but a closer look suggests that taking the under on his points and assists total of 34.5 might be the smart play. Over his last five games, LeBron has averaged just 23 points and 9.2 assists, numbers that hint at a more measured approach. Even in the friendly confines of home, where he typically thrives, he's only hitting 19 points and 8.8 assists on average. Against Houston, he's seen a slight uptick with 20.2 points historically, but that figure drops to 26.6 when playing at home. Plus, his recent performance against the Rockets shows he's only racked up 7.4 assists at home. With an impressive hit rate-11 out of his last 12 games at home falling below 34.5-this could be the perfect spot for LeBron to ease off the gas.

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 compelling case for the under on his points, rebounds, and assists combined, set at 17.5. Over his last five games, Smart has averaged just 6.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists-numbers that fall significantly short of the mark. At home, he's only managed 9 points and 3 rebounds, with his assists hovering around 4.8. What's particularly striking is his history against Houston; he's only managed 7 points per game against them, with just 2 assists. His overall hit rate is impressive, with 15 of his last 19 outings landing below this total, including 9 of his last 12 at home. The Lakers are known for their defensive prowess, making it even tougher for Smart to find his rhythm. With these trends in mind, the under looks like a smart play.

Amen Thompson (Houston Rockets) Under 7.5 Rebounds (-102)

Odds available at fanduel at time of publishing

As the Rockets head into a challenging matchup against the Lakers, Amen Thompson's rebounding prospects might not shine as brightly as some expect. Averaging 7.2 rebounds over his last five outings, he's been solid, but the away games tell a different story. On the road, he's averaged just 7.8 rebounds, and when facing the Lakers, his numbers dip even further to about 7 per game. With the Lakers' size and defensive prowess, Thompson may find it tough to secure those boards. Adding to this, his recent performance against them shows a stark average of just 6.47 expected rebounds. With the Lakers likely to dominate the paint and minimize second-chance opportunities, betting the under on Thompson's 7.5 rebounds could be a savvy move in this matchup. Sometimes, it's better to bet against the trends than to follow them, and this might just be one of those times.

See All Our Picks

You're viewing a preview. Subscribe today to unlock the full article and gain access to all our expert insights and best bets - every single day.

Get Bet Better Pro