Houston Rockets (8-8) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (11-9)
Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers 12/2/23 – Houston Rockets (8-8, standing in eighth) will face Los Angeles Lakers (11-3) this Saturday at 10:30 PM ET in an exciting NBA showdown, as the Houston Rockets look to improve their standings against them. Anticipation for this match-up is high as both sides look to advance further in their respective standings. Crypto.com Arena in Toronto will play host to this epic encounter – fans are gearing up for an unforgettable basketball extravaganza and followers of the league are actively searching for free NBA picks in order to place informed bets on this gripping encounter!
Analyzing the Houston Rockets reveals a team with both notable strengths and weaknesses. Averaging 110.9 points per game, propelled by their 47.4% field goal shooting efficiency and 35.9% 3-point shooting efficiencies, they average 110.9 points per game on average with balanced offensive and defensive rebounding, but have struggled to remain consistent as evidenced by their 2-5 straight up record in their last seven games, as well as 12 turnovers per game which could prove decisive against teams like Los Angeles Lakers who capitalize on such errors quickly.
On the other side, Los Angeles Lakers pose a formidable challenge to Houston Rockets. Averaging 112.8 points per game and boasting a higher field goal percentage at 48.9%, Lakers boast an edge in offensive efficiency over Houston. Furthermore, their defense boasts 7.4 steals and 6 blocks per game while their higher turnover rate of 14.6 may present vulnerabilities which Rockets might use against them. Being able to control game pace will be essential in deciding their success or otherwise.
Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers 12/2/23 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 10:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Crypto.com Arena |
| TV: | |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Alperen Sengun (C) vs. LeBron James (SF)
Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets center, has been an absolute revelation this season. Averaging 21 points and 8.9 rebounds while playing 32.6 minutes per game for them, Sengun has shown his dominance inside. Furthermore, with his 5.6 assists per game and playmaking abilities making up a versatile threat he poses threats of his own. However, his 2.7 turnovers per game could pose problems against defensively strong teams like Los Angeles Lakers.
LeBron James of the Lakers remains defying age with his performances, averaging 24.8 points and 7.8 rebounds in 33.5 minutes on court per game despite turning 34 in December. With an all-around playmaking ability that includes 6.3 assists per game and only 3.6 turnovers per game on average in his 33 minutes on the court per week he remains an invaluable offensive driver for his team; yet Rockets could potentially exploit that weakness with LeBron.
Sengun and LeBron will put on an impressive show when they face each other on court, pitting inside presence versus all-around mastery to determine who comes out on top in this head-to-head battle. Not only will this test their abilities but it will also demonstrate both skill and tactic acumen.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: Lakers -5 (-105), Total Odds: 221.5
Current betting odds favor the Lakers with a five point spread and home court advantage, reflecting their slightly superior form and home advantage. Total odds set at 221.5 suggest an anticipated high-scoring matchup due to both teams’ offensive capabilities.
Houston Rockets Betting Trends
The Rockets boast an impressive record against the spread (ATS), going 10-1-2 over their last 13 games – this trend suggests they are performing above betting expectations; however, their struggles in turning these performances into outright wins (2-5 in their last 7 games) is a concern; also important in this matchup will be their poor road record (0-7 over that span).
Los Angeles Lakers Betting Trends
The Lakers have shown tremendous progress over their recent games, particularly at home where they boasted a 7-0 SU record against Houston over seven home games played since December 16. Their overall SU record (8-4 in 12) also paints an optimistic picture, but their ATS record against Southwest Division teams (2-4) suggests inconsistency when it comes to covering spreads.
Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers 12/2/23 Betting Picks
According to analysis and betting trends, this game appears stacked in favor of the Lakers based on analysis and betting trends; given their dominant home record and Houston’s difficulties on the road. Their balanced attack and defensive solidity give them an edge against Houston. But one cannot discount Houston’s ability to cover spreads in recent games.
Betting picks for this game could go either way; while Lakers are generally safer bets in terms of straight wins, Rockets’ proven ability against the spread could make them an appealing pick in that regard. As always with sports wagers, an over/under bet might prove riskier.
Expect an intense and tightly-contested game in which experience and home court advantage play a pivotal role for the Lakers. Elite sports selections suggest that while the Lakers might clinch the win, Rockets could cover the spread, making for an exciting and close contest to watch and bet on.
Free Pick & Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers 115, Houston Rockets 108