Rockets vs Lakers Free Pick, NBA Free Picks, NBA Predictions 3/31/25
- J.A. Cavalier
- Mar 31
- 3 min read
HOUSTON @ LA LAKERS (LAL -4.5, 225.5)
NBA ODDS, NBA PREDICTIONS, NBA PREVIEWS
ROCKETS @ LAKERS 3/31/25
The Houston Rockets aren't even close to being the NBA's hottest team, having won 12 of their last 13 games. Houston will try to continue its streak when it visits the Los Angeles Lakers tonight, even though it is not the Rockets' fault that the Oklahoma City Thunder have only lost one of their last 17 games.
The Rockets (49-26) defeated the host Phoenix Suns 148-109 on Sunday night, giving them a serious beating. In the Western Conference standings, Houston is currently in second place, two games ahead of the Denver Nuggets in third place, and three and a half games ahead of the Lakers in fourth place.
Prior to finishing .500 in Ime Udoka's first season as coach, Houston had lost 55 or more games in three straight seasons earlier this decade. The Rockets are now on the verge of a 50-win season.
Houston dominated the Suns last night. The Rockets shot 57.1 percent (56 of 98) from the field and 58.1 percent (18 of 31) from three-point range, scoring more than 30 points in each quarter, including 46 in the second. The Rockets scored 34 points off of 19 Phoenix turnovers and had a 32–8 advantage in fast-break points. Jalen Green made four treys and scored 33 points.
The Rockets will visit the Lakers (45–29) twice in the final stretch of the season, starting with this game. On April 11, Houston will be back in LA. The Rockets defeated Los Angeles 119-115 in Houston earlier this season on January 5.
On Saturday, the Lakers defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 134-127 on the road. They had only won five of the previous thirteen games. Austin Reaves had his second consecutive 30-point performance. He finished with 31 points and eight assists. Reaves has averaged 24.2 points, 5.6 assists, and 5.3 rebounds this month, including four 30-point performances.
LeBron James finished with 25 points and 8 assists, while Luka Doncic contributed 29 points and 9 assists. James is listed as probable for Monday due to a strain in his left groin.
This is the first game of a three-game homestand for the Lakeres. The Golden State Warriors are in town on Thursday and the New Orleans Pelicans are in LA on Friday.
The Grizzlies and Warriors are in the middle of the race for a top-six playoff berth, with Los Angeles only 2.5 games ahead of the seventh-place Minnesota Timberwolves.
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COACH RICK FREE PICK:
ROCKETS OVER 110.5
Houston’s offense is averaging 119.2 points per game over its last six. The Rockets have gone Over this number in 9 of their last 10 games and in 60 percent of all games this season. Houston has faced the Lakers once already this season and they scored 119 in a win over LA. The Rockets have gone Over this number in each of the last two against LA. The Lakers have given up 118 or more in 6 straight games.
