NBA Sharp Report: Pros Betting Lakers-Rockets, Mavs-Suns Thursday Night

The Lakers and Rockets will meet tonight for the first time since the fight that broke out in their October meeting. While that fight's headliner, Rajon Rondo, will miss tonight's game with hand injury, bettors will still surely be tuning in given the relatively small NBA slate on tap.

Among those betting are sharps, who've found not one, but two plays with value on tonight's fight night rematch (8 p.m. ET). They've also caused a line move on this evening's final matchup out west (10:30 p.m. ET).

Los Angeles Lakers at Houston Rockets

8 p.m. ET | TNT

Sharp angles: Rockets (line has remained at 5.5), Over (moved from 221.5 to 225.5)

Most sportsbooks haven't moved this spread from its consensus opening number of Houston -5.5. Those that opened early, however, or ventured into the -5 range at any point, were immediately hit with some Rockets money.

Seventy-five percent of bettors have punched (see what I did there?) their tickets on the Lakers, so any movement toward the Rockets serves as an indication of sharp action.

On top of that, Rockets bettors have accounted for less than 40% of actual dollars being wagered, meaning bigger bets — the ones more likely to be made by sharps — are on their side. They've also been on the receiving end of two Sports Insights Bet Signals — triggered when sharp action causes sudden, drastic line movement.

The total has seen its fair share of wiseguy money as well. After opening at 221.5, it's now listed at 225.5. While more than 60% of bets are hitting the over, that's generally not enough of a majority to cause such a significant line move — unless sharps are involved.

Like the Rockets' spread, the over is generating a significantly higher percentage of money (79%) than bets, indicating sharper wagers. It has also drawn three bet signals to propel the line move.

Dallas Mavericks at Phoenix Suns

10:30 p.m. ET | TNT

Sharp angle: Suns (moved from +7.5 to +6.5)

A similar story is taking place on the point spread for tonight's late matchup.

While the Suns haven't been the popular play — getting just 33% of bets — they've still gone from +7.5 to +6.5.

With 47% of dollars behind them, they're also seeing a considerably higher percentage of money than tickets, and have drawn a Bet Signal of their own.

By the current market numbers, Phoenix also fits the Bet Labs Tickets vs. Money NBA Spread system, which is up 31 units since 2015.