Western Conference second seed Houston Rockets stay in Los Angeles following their loss to the LA Clippers to face the third seed LA Lakers in the penultimate game of their NBA Regular Season. The Rockets, who have clinched a playoff spot, will try to rattle the Lakers, who, at number three in the standing, are only two games ahead of the eight place Minnesota Timberwolves in the play-in spot. The Lakers, who earned an emotional victory at the Dallas Mavericks that had former Mavericks star Luka Dončić shedding tears, are massive favorites to beat the short-handed Rockets.
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BASKETBALL: NBA Regular Season
Where to Watch: NBA TV
Venue: Crypto.Com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Date: 12.04.2025 05:30
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers (49-31) have only one job to do to assure a comfortable playoff place - win their two games against the Houston Rockets and the Portland Trail Blazers. With three wins from their last four, its likely that Luka Dončić, LeBron James and the cast will wrap it up nicely. On Wednesday night, superstar Luka Doncic made an emotional return to Dallas, scoring a season-high 45 points to lead his new team to a 112-97 victory over his old team. Doncic, had hit 45 points for the Mavs earlier in the season as well as another one for the Lakers before Wednesday’s tally. The game was close until LeBron James, who moved into all-time NBA second place with a career high 1561st regular-season game, scored a three-pointer with eight minutes left to move the Lakers ahead and stay there. The win guaranteed a playoff spot for the Lakers. While Max Kleber is ruled out of the game against the Rockets, LeBron James is listed as probable.
Bet on Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets with 1xBetHouston Rockets
The Houston Rockets (52-28) had their three-game winning streak snapped last time by a streaking Los Angeles Clippers, who won a sixth straight game. Prior to the loss, the Rockets showcased their postseason prowess by claiming consecutive wins over the Western Conference leaders Oklahoma City Thunder and the rejuvenated Golden State Warriors. Whatever happens, the Rockets will finish in second place in the West, but they have their work cut out in getting several players fit for the postseason. Against the Lakers, Houston may likely be without Alperen Sengun, Fred Vanvleet, Jabari Smith and Jae'Seen Tate. Rockets Shooting Guard Jalen Green,who is averaging 21.4 points this season, is on track to start all of Houston's games this season.
Betting Odds
The Houston Rockets are 4.785 underdogs on 1xbet, with the LA Lakers at 1.749 to overcome the (-8.5) handicap. Bet365 lists Luka Dončić at 1.83 odds to score over 30.5 points, with LeBron James at 1.90 to hit over 22.5. Over 225.5 is at 1.85 on Betway, which has the under at 1.72 odds. Read more here.
Bet on Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets with 1xBet
