Rockets vs. Lakers Prediction and Odds: Luka, Lakers Aim to Clinch the Third Seed

It’s the last weekend of the NBA’s regular season schedule, and the curtain closer for Friday night features a matchup between Alperen Sengun’s Houston Rockets and Luka Doncic’s Los Angeles Lakers! For new users at FanDuel Sportsbook, you can bet $5 and receive $250 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins!

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The Houston Rockets have clinched the second seed behind the efforts of a deep and ambitious squad, winning seven of their last ten games. They’ll visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night and superstar Luka Doncic, who is coming off a 45-point performance against his former team, the Dallas Mavericks. The game tips off at 10:30 PM EST at crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California.

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Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers Betting Odds

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Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers Betting Pick

• My Pick: Spread - Los Angeles Lakers -10.0 (-108) at FanDuel

Both the Rockets and Lakers have been impressive against the spread this season, but tactical choices are taking center stage at the end of the campaign, which will significantly impact the outcome of this match. The Rockets have been cautious with their star players after clinching the second seed, while the Lakers need one more win to clinch third in the West. Houston has a deep and competitive roster, but expect the Lakers to take control of the game as the Rockets continue to rest their key players.

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Houston Rockets Preview

Locked into the second seed in the West, the Houston Rockets have given their bench players opportunities to close the season. Expect a hard-fought match against the Lakers on Friday night, but don’t expect to see their star men take the court for a full shift.

The Rockets are one of the NBA’s best two-way teams, but they perform differently, given their adjusted lineup going into the postseason. In their last game, the Rockets scored 117 points on 51.1% shooting with 20 made threes but allowed 134 points on 53.3% efficiency. Their role players must rediscover their defensive standards to take down the Lakers.

Through 80 regular season games, the Houston Rockets have posted a 43-36-1 ATS Record this season, ranking them seventh in the NBA. They have a 54.4% cover percentage, a +5.2 margin of victory, and a +2.0 ATS +/- this season.

Houston Rockets rookie Reed Sheppard stepped up despite the loss in their Wednesday matchup. He struggled in his first year, averaging just 4.3 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game on 35.7% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range. He stood out in his last match, though, putting up 20 points, five rebounds, four assists, and six threes on 50.0% shooting.

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Los Angeles Lakers Preview

The Los Angeles Lakers can’t catch the Houston Rockets in the standings, but they still have work to do to stave off their competitors in the West. A win over the Rockets on Friday will clinch the third seed, but their West rivals aren’t to be overlooked.

The Lakers are a strong offensive team that loves to get out in transition. Coming off a game where they scored 112 points on 46.7% efficiency, the Lakers will need their pace to overcome the Rockets’ tough defense. Expect a focused match from the Lakers, whose defense has allowed 47.9% efficiency and 40.9% from deep over their recent five-game run.

The Los Angeles Lakers have been impressive against the spread this season, posting a 44-34-2 ATS Record through 80 regular-season games, ranking them sixth in the NBA. They have a 56.4% cover percentage, a +1.2 margin of victory, and a -0.4 ATS +/- this season.

Luka Doncic headlines the Lakers’ efforts after a 45-point showing against his former team on Wednesday night. He’s averaging 27.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, 7.7 assists, and 3.5 threes per game on 44.5% from the field and 36.4% from three. In his previous match, Doncic led the way with 45 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and seven made threes on 57.1% shooting.

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Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers Injury Report

• Houston Rockets - (C) Alperen Sengun - Game Time Decision (Personal) - Sengun headlines a three-player lineup that are questionable to play on Friday night.

• Houston Rockets - (F) Jabari Smith - Game Time Decision (Groin) - Smith was out for Houston’s Wednesday game and is questionable for Friday night.

• Houston Rockets - (G) Fred VanVleet - Game Time Decision (Ankle) - VanVleet was out for Houston’s Wednesday game and is questionable for Friday night.

• Houston Rockets - (F) Jae’Sean Tate - Out (Ankle) - Tate will not play in Houston’s Friday night game against the Lakers.

• Los Angeles Lakers - (F) LeBron James - Game Time Decision (Groin) - The Los Angeles Lakers continue to manage James’ lingering groin injury, and he’ll be a game time decision for Friday night.

• Los Angeles Lakers - (C) Maxi Kleber - Out (Foot) - Kleber remains without a timetable for his return after successful surgery on his right foot.

How to Watch Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers

• Teams: Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers

• Location: crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA

• Date: 10:30 PM, Friday, April 11, 2025

• TV:  NBA TV