The Los Angeles Lakers made a strong impression on the betting public in their first round series and with the Houston Rockets needing a Game 7 to escape from their first round series, the impression was strong in a bad way.
The Lakers are opening as heavy favorites to win this series at -600, much shorter odds than they had in the first round against the Blazers, according to the folks at BetOnline.Ag. The Lakers are also the runner-up favorites to win the championship, behind the Clippers.
Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Lakers
Houston Rockets +460 (23/5)
Los Angeles Lakers -600 (1/6)
Odds to Win the NBA Championship
Los Angeles Clippers 9/4
Los Angeles Lakers 11/4
Boston Celtics 9/2
Miami Heat 13/2
Milwaukee Bucks 7/1
Houston Rockets 12/1
Toronto Raptors 20/1
Denver Nuggets 40/1
The Lakers handled the Blazers pretty easily after a loss in Game 1 and their defense was a big reason why. However, the Rockets will present a very different test. While their performance in the latter half of their first round series against Oklahoma City was nothing to write home about, they might be a little more dangerous than your typical +460 underdog.
