Lakers vs Rockets NBA Pick: Who Takes The Season Series? (Apr 11)

• The Lakers are 49-31 and have a one-game lead over the Nuggets for the No. 3 spot in the playoff race.
• Houston is 52-28 and will finish with the second-best record in the Western Conference.
• These teams last played on Mar. 31, with the Lakers claiming a 104-98 victory.

One of the games on Friday’s NBA slate features the Los Angeles Lakers hosting the Houston Rockets. Can LA solidify its playoff positioning in our Lakers vs Rockets pick?

Lakers Hope To Build Off Double-Digit Win Over Dallas

After splitting a two-game road set against the OKC Thunder, the Lakers defeated the Dallas Mavericks 112-97 on Wednesday night. Luka Donic, who the Mavericks dealt to the Lakers midseason, had a game to remember against his former team.

His final stat line included 45 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and four steals. The five-time All-Star shot 16-for-28 from the field and 7-for-10 from beyond the arc.

LeBron James finished with 27 points and seven rebounds. Rui Hachimura chipped in with 15 points, including three 3-pointers.

James converted a three-point play that broke an 87-all tie with 8:10 left to play. He then added a layup to help Los Angeles stay in front the rest of the way.

Rockets Seek To Bounce Back Following Loss To Clippers

Houston’s three-game win streak ended on Wednesday night with a 134-117 loss to the LA Clippers.

Reed Sheppard, who averages four points per game, guided an offense in which six players, including four starters, reached double figures. He led the way with 20 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals.

Tari Eason added 17 points and five boards. Cam Whitmore and Jock Landale contributed 14 and 11 points, respectively.

The teams scored a combined 71 points in the opening stanza, with the Clippers leading by a slim 36-35 margin. Thanks to a crucial 12-0 run, LA took control of the game for good in the second quarter, outscoring Houston 35-23.

Lakers vs Rockets Pick: Who Has The Edge In This Western Conference Showdown?

The Lakers have won six of their last ten games. LA enters this matchup ranked 19th in points per game and 12th in scoring defense, allowing 112.4 points per outing.

On the other hand, the Rockets have gone 7-3 across their previous 10 contests. While Houston is a somewhat pedestrian team from an offensive standpoint, this bunch has the third-lowest defensive rating in the league, giving up 109.9 points per 100 possessions.

These teams split the season series 2-2 in 2023-24, and it is only fitting that they have split the two games between them this season as well, with each squad winning on its home floor.

Given that Houston is locked into the No. 2 spot, look for the Lakers to come out on top.