The Los Angeles Lakers (42-25) and Houston Rockets (41-25) will meet in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 9:30 p.m. ET from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. The game will broadcast live on Peacock.
The Rockets are 2.5-point favorites over the Lakers on the spread (Rockets -2.5), with the over/under set at 227 total points. Houston is a -150 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while Los Angeles is +125 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Lakers vs. Rockets predictions and NBA picks for Monday, March 16.
Lakers vs Rockets Prediction, Pick
- Lakers vs Rockets pick: Amen Thompson Over 19.5 Points (-110)
My Rockets vs. Lakers best bet is on Amen Thompson to score over 19.5 points. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Lakers vs Rockets Odds
| Lakers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2.5 -110 | 227 -110o / -110u | +125 |
| Rockets Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2.5 -110 | 227 -110o / -110u | -150 |
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Lakers vs Rockets NBA Preview
I'm taking Amen Thompson over 19.5 points in the Rockets' matchup against the Lakers tonight.
Thompson has gone over this line in eight of his last 10 games — averaging about 20 points per game during that stretch.
Alperen Şengun is questionable for the Rockets tonight, so I think there may be some extra opportunities for Thompson in this spot if Sengun ends up sitting. That would spread the floor a bit and give Thompson more room to operate.
Thompson scored 26 points against the Lakers earlier this season.
The biggest thing for me is that the Lakers’ defense is a bit weak at the rim, which is basically where Thompson scores most of his points. Because of that, I think there will be plenty of opportunities for him to attack the basket.
The Lakers can be a little lackadaisical defensively at times, and that could allow Thompson to take advantage of those openings at the rim.
The Lakers have also struggled against players with a similar profile. Zion Williamson had a strong game against them recently. Josh Giddey also found success attacking the rim — not necessarily as a shooter, but by getting inside and finishing.
That’s the type of player profile I’m comparing Thompson to here.
Lakers vs Rockets Predictions, Betting Analysis
If you remove Şengun from the equation — or even just consider the possibility that he might not play — that opens up more upside for Thompson.
When you combine that with the recent success of similar players against the Lakers, it stands out as a solid spot for him.
Another factor is that when the Lakers’ main offensive players are all healthy, you often see a drop-off in their defensive intensity. Lineups with Austin Reaves, Luka Doncic, and LeBron James on the floor together haven’t been particularly strong defensively.
I think the matchup sets up well Thompson. I’ll back him to score over 19.5 points against the Lakers tonight.
Pick: Amen Thompson Over 19.5 Points (-110)
