In what amounts to a mini-series, Tuesday’s game between the young Houston Rockets (1-5) and veteran-laden Los Angeles Lakers (4-3) is the second straight between the teams at Staples Center. If you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research, you’re in luck! We have the latest point spread, money line odds and over-under number, as well as the information you need to make the smartest bet on Tipico Sportsbook.
The game tips off at 9:30 p.m. Central and can be viewed or streamed via AT&T SportsNet Southwest and NBA League Pass.
In the same building where they just played on Sunday, rookie Jalen Green and the rebuilding Rockets will immediately run it back versus LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the star-studded Lakers. Houston lost by 10 in the first game, though most of that was due to a 19-point deficit that they dug themselves by halftime. Led by the likes of Kevin Porter Jr., KJ Martin, Christian Wood, and Eric Gordon, the Rockets outplayed the Lakers in the second half — and they would love to build on any momentum from that performance and snap a four-game losing skid.
Rockets at Lakers notable injuries:
Unfortunately for the Rockets, they might not be as healthy as they were in Sunday’s game. While Theis and Tate are still named by the team as projected starters, they’re each officially listed as questionable to play Tuesday due to a sore right big toe and sore right ankle, respectively. Reserve forward Danuel House Jr. remains out with a right foot sprain.
The Los Angeles injury report is long, though many of the listed names appear likely to play. Trevor Ariza (right ankle), Talen Horton-Tucker (right thumb), and Kendrick Nunn (right knee) are again listed as out; Dwight Howard (neck), Wayne Ellington (left hamstring), and James (right ankle) are questionable; and Davis (right knee) is probable.
James and Davis both played through the same designations on Sunday, so it would be a surprise if that did not occur on Tuesday, as well.
The lines, courtesy of Tipico Sportsbook
- Point spread: Lakers -9.5
- Money line: Rockets +420 / Lakers -600
- Over-under: 216.5 points
Advice and prediction
Through six games, the Rockets have yet to go “over” in any of their games. Thus, the under might be the safest bet. However, it’s worth noting that oddsmakers adjusted by dropping the line from 221.5 (for Sunday’s game) to the current total of 216.5, so it should be a closer call. It’s also hard to make that call with much conviction without knowing the statuses of Tate and Theis, who are among Houston’s top defenders.
Prediction: Lakers 112, Rockets 104
This post originally appeared on Rockets Wire. Follow us on Facebook!
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