The Lakers lead the playoff series against the Rockets 2-0 and aim for a commanding 3-0 lead in Game 3. LeBron James is averaging 23.5 points, while Luke Kennard leads the team with 25 points per game.
Key points
Lakers lead playoff series 2-0 against Rockets
LeBron James averaging 23.5 points per game
Luke Kennard leads Lakers with 25 points per game
Lakers defense has limited Rockets' shooting
Game 3 scheduled for April 24
LakersRocketsLeBron JamesLuke Kennard
Lakers vs. Rockets – NBA Playoffs – Game 3 predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends and best bets for April 24
Having won both games in Southern California to open the series against the Rockets, Lebron James and the Lakers can take a stranglehold of their 2026 NBA first-round playoff series tonight in Game 3.
Minus Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) the Lakers were actually the underdog in those first two games, but their defense has suffocated the Rockets especially on the perimeter. Kevin Durant and co. shot just 24% from deep (7-29) while the Lakers shot 46% (13-28).
In the absence of his high-profile running mates, LeBron James has turned back the clock averaging 23.5 points along with eight rebounds and ten assists. The revelation has been Luke Kennard who leads the Lakers with an average of 25 points per game.
No question the Rockets are falling short of expectations. Yes, Durant is struggling with a knee injury, but the offense has showcased a ridiculous lack of rhythm and imagination. Head Coach Ime Udoka has to be on the hot seat as he has found no answers against an undermanned Lakers’ team.
Note to remember: The Lakers have won 32 straight series after winning the first game of a playoff series, which is the longest streak in NBA history.
Lets take a closer look at tonight’s matchup and take into consideration lineups, injuries, and other factors affecting the line and total.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds courtesy of
Q&A
What are the odds for Lakers vs. Rockets Game 3 on April 24?
The Lakers are currently favored to win Game 3 against the Rockets, having won the first two games.
How have the Lakers performed against the Rockets in the playoffs?
The Lakers have won both playoff games against the Rockets so far, showcasing strong defensive performance.
What are LeBron James' stats in the playoff series against the Rockets?
LeBron James is averaging 23.5 points, eight rebounds, and ten assists in the series against the Rockets.
Who is leading the Lakers in scoring during the playoffs?
Luke Kennard is leading the Lakers with an average of 25 points per game in the playoff series.
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Game Details and How to Watch Live: Lakers vs. Rockets
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Game Odds: Lakers vs. Rockets
The latest odds as of Friday courtesy ofDraftKings:
Moneyline: Los Angeles Lakers (+270), Houston Rockets (-340)
Spread: Rockets -8.5
Total: 206.5 points
This game opened Rockets -9.5 with the Game Total set at 205.5.
Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & player props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!
Luka Doncic (hamstring) is listed as doubtful for tonight’s game
Austin Reaves (oblique) is listed as doubtful for tonight’s game
Houston Rockets
Kevin Durant (knee) is questionable for tonight’s game
Fred VanVleet (knee) has been declared OUT of tonight’s game
Steven Adams (ankle) has been declared OUT of tonight’s game
Important stats, trends and insights: Lakers vs. Rockets
The Lakers are 30-13 at home this season
The Rockets are 22-21 on the road this season
The Lakers are 47-36-1 ATS this season
Houston is 36-48 ATS this season
The OVER has cashed in 39 of the Rockets’ 84 games this season (39-45)
The OVER has cashed in 42 of the Lakers’ 84 games this season (42-42)
Marcus Smart was 5-7 from 3-point range in Game 2
Reed Shepherd scored not one point in Game 2 going 0-7 from the field
The Lakers got just 6 points from their bench in Game 2 (all 6 from Jaxson Hayes)
Rotoworld Best Bet
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Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Friday’s Lakers and Rockets game:
Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline
Spread: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Lakers +8.5 ATS
Total: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total UNDER 206.5
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If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out ourNBA Top Trends toolon NBC Sports!
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