NBA Betting – Lakers Will Defuse Rockets Playoff Hopes

Los Angeles Lakers (53-18) vs Houston Rockets (36-34)

These two teams are in very different positions going into this game. Sports Betting enthusiasts know that the Lakers have opened an almost unbeatable gap over the rest of the Western Conference while Houston is slipping farther away from the playoff picture. With ten games remaining following this contest, the Rockets need a lot of wins, and help, to close the six games between them and the last playoff spot. The Lakers meanwhile have a six-game lead on the Dallas Mavericks and, having won seven in a row, are just coasting to the finish line and could be primed for an upset if they are too lackadaisical.  

Primetime Performers 

Lakers: While answers are yet to come in March Madness Odds, there is no question that Kobe Bryant is the heart and soul of this Lakers team. Averaging over 27, 5 and 5 this year he may not be putting up the gaudy numbers of recent years he has done so with a broken finger on his shooting hand for most of the year. Having broken the 20 point barrier in every game this month Bryant will have another typical game as he scored 41 points in the last game in Houston and has averaged over 29 points per contest against the Rockets in the past three seasons.

Rockets: Kevin Martin has let his average slip to just over 20 points a game since the trade to Houston and is coming off a disappointing eight point performance against Oklahoma. Being a streaky shooter at times, he should be the biggest threat to LA; even though he will be guarded by a seven-time first-team All-Defensive player in Bryant.

X-Factors 

Lakers: Betting servicesexperts know that Pau Gasol will have to bring one of his better games against a pesky and agile Louis Scola. Having missed all three games between the teams this year, he could dominate with his size as he brings 17 points, 11 boards and over 3 assists a game into the contest. Scoring 20 and 12 rebounds in his past four games, the Lakers have been looking for him at the offensive end and is producing with the added touches.

Rockets: Aaron Brooks has been solid all year putting up almost 20 a game but is mired in a four game slump where he has averaged only 11.5 points. He is capable of racking up some big numbers and going up against an aging Derek Fisher, he could break out with a strong performance. He will be the difference if Houston is going to win.

The Matchup 

An expert sports handicapper will look at the 21-13 road record of LA and know that the 20-15 home record of the Rockets will be in danger of declining as the Lakers have won four straight away from the sunshine state. In the three previous games the Lakers have won two and should have no problem closing out a 3-1 season-series win.

Pick: Lakers