Rockets at Lakers Betting Tips, Odds & Picks

Under the leadership of head coach Ime Udoka, the Houston Rockets have been transformed into a serious contender.

Also, it does not hurt that the Rockets have one of the greatest players in NBA history.

Kevin Durant is the marquee man that the Rockets have needed.

Durant, along with Alperen Sengun, gives the Rockets a 1-2 combination that could go deep into the 2026 NBA Playoffs.

On Christmas Evening, ABC offers the Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers in a perfect prime-time matchup loaded with star power.

Los Angeles has been transformed into a serious contender upon the arrival of Luka Doncic. Additionally, LeBron James might be in the lineup if he is in the mood.

Rockets at Lakers Preview

On Thursday, December 25, 2025, the Los Angeles Lakers will host the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA. Tipoff time is 8 p.m. ET with television coverage on ABC.

Public Betting Odds Factors

• This game has everything to draw some of the biggest betting traffic this NBA season.

• Wise Guys will look hard at the Rockets based on their quality and the road team price.

• The Lakers will draw a stampede of casual NBA betting action driven by branding and star power.

• Home court will enhance LA’s appeal with squares.

Rockets at Lakers Predictions

Handicapping Factors to Consider  

• In this situation, the Rockets will get the better price and are a quality road team.

• Too much public money is driving the price of the Lakers too high.

• Houston is fully capable of the straight up win, let alone covering the number.

Rockets at Lakers Prime Best Bet: Houston Rockets 

Rockets at Lakers Betting Tips

Houston Rockets 

• The Houston Rockets are 17-8 straight up, 15-10 against the NBA betting odds, and 15-10 over/under the total.

• Houston has covered one out of their last six games.

• The Rockets have gone over the total in five of their previous six matchups.

• Houston is 6^th in the Western Conference playoff standings.

• Houston is seven games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference playoff race.
• Houston has NBA metrics of 1st in scoring offense, 4th in field goal percentage, 1st in 3-point field goal percentage, 20th in free throw percentage, and 1st in offensive rebounding.

• On defense, the Rockets rank 16th in scoring defense, 7th in field-goal percentage allowed, 7th in 3-point field-goal percentage allowed, and 1st in defensive rebounding.

Los Angeles Lakers 

• The Los Angeles Lakers are 19-8 straight up, 17-10 against the spread, and 18-9 over/under the total.

• Los Angeles has covered five out of their last six games. At the same time, the Lakers have gone over the total in three of their previous four matchups.

• Los Angeles is 4^th in the Western Conference playoff standings.  Los Angeles is 5.5 games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference playoff race.

• Los Angeles has NBA metrics of 14^th in scoring offense, 2nd in field goal percentage, 24th in 3-point field goal percentage, 12th in free throw percentage, and 26th in offensive rebounding.

• On defense, the Lakers rank 17th in scoring defense, 25th in field-goal percentage allowed, 30th in 3-point field-goal percentage allowed, and 2nd in defensive rebounding.

Rockets at Lakers Head-to-Head and Key Stats

• In the series between the Lakers and Rockets, Los Angeles has held the advantage.

• The Lakers covered the spread in four of their last five games against the Rockets.

• The Rockets and Lakers went under the total in four of their most recent seven meetings.

• Specifically in Los Angeles, the Lakers covered their three most recent four home games against the Rockets.

• Los Angeles and Houston went under the total in three of their last four meetings in LA.

• Overall, the Rockets have become one of the best values on the NBA board when playing on the road.

• Houston covered the spread in 11 of their last 14 road tilts.

• The Rockets went over the total in 12 of their last 17 road games.

• The Lakers have hit a rough patch at home recently.

• Los Angeles failed to cover three of its most recent four home games.

• However, the Lakers got the money in their four home games before that.

• Los Angeles went over the total in 14 of their last 17 home games.