NBA Odds & Predictions: Houston Rockets at LA Lakers
Written April 3, 2009 by Jordan Haimowitz
The Rockets are coming off a road loss at Phoenix in which they fell 114-109. Houston currently holds the 4th seed in the West but that can change oh so quickly. The Western Conference is jam packed with teams that are fighting for positioning. Seeds 2-7 are separated by only 4.5 games. The Rockets have lost their last two road games and are running into the Lakers at a bad time. LA is now in a battle with Cleveland for the number one overall seed heading into the playoffs. The Cavs are in action tonight at Orlando. Yao and Artest have been playing at a very high level, they have showed a sense of chemistry recently that has made people wonder if they could be a serious threat to get to the finals. They’ll have the chance to make an early statement tonight at the Staples Center. If Coach Adelman expects his team to come into Los Angeles and grab an upset victory, they will need to play much better defense then they did in the first three meeting in which the Lakers won them all. In every game they gave up 100+ points, for the season Houston gives up an average of 95 points against. Now I would assume it goes without saying that Ron Artest will do everything in his power to harass, irritate and install anger in Kobe Bryant as we all have seen this act before. The Rockets have come together in McGrady’s absence, that doesn’t shock me, this is a better team with Artest anyway. I like what the Rockets are doing as a team. Sound defense and sharp passing is what this team is about. These attributes might lead to a first round series victory in the playoffs, but it will be far to little tonight. The NBA odds for tonight’s game show the Lakers -5.5 against the Rockets and the Over/Under set at 198 points.
The Los Angeles Lakers are the NBA’s best. Their record is 59-16. After losing two games in a row earlier in the week at Atlanta and at Charlotte they responded with a victory at Milwaukee. The win versus the Bucks wasn’t exactly a work of art. They struggles early until Kobe took over late. Last years MVP has put tremendous numbers once again. Kobe Bryant not only continues to be one the league’s best players, he has shown his ability to play as just another member of a team. Kobe is averaging 27 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists per game. It will be interesting to see how the Lakers will defend Yao Ming in this game. Gasol will get his fair share of time against China’s best as you could also see bench players like Josh Powell and DJ Mbenga get a few cracks. The Lakers have superior numbers to the Rockets. They average nine more points per game, shoot a better percentage from the field, grab more rebounds and have a deeper bench. The Rockets do shoot a bit better from the line and give up five less points per game. I believe the X-factor in this game tonight will be Trevor Ariza. Artest will have his hands full with Kobe and Battier does not have the athleticism to cover Ariza in the open court. Theirs nothing like home cooking. The Lakers couldn’t be happier to have their seven game road trip over with that has dragged on for about two weeks. The Lakers are currently 5.5 points favorites and the O/U is at 198 points. This one is a slam dunk, an absolute no brainer. The notes below will seal the deal in your mind.
Haimo’s Hot Notes: The Lakers have won all three meetings against the Rockets this year as I stated above. They were 3-0 ATS those games as well. The Cavs are currently two games ahead of the Lakers in percentage points, that makes this a virtual must win game. I expect LA to come out guns blazing with extreme intensity. the Staples Center will be happy to see Kobe and crew back home in which is set up to be a Lakers blow out win in my mind. You have a one dimension team in Houston who likes to play a half court set and a multi dimensional team in Los Angeles who can play a half court set or an up tempo style. The Lakers will finish off the season series sweep. This is a definite BEST BET play. Jump on it, BIG.
Betting Line: Lakers -5.5 & O/U 198
Jordan’s Picks: Take Lakers -5.5 & OVER 198
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One Response to “NBA Odds & Predictions: Houston Rockets at LA Lakers”
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hello estava aucente for a week but I’m already here so what is the favorite of today where the money today I would like to know please thanks
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