Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers: Picks, Predictions, Odds and Player Props

The Houston Rockets are on a winning streak which has taken them to the 2-seed in the Western Conference, and they can rebound the lights out of LeBron and co. in Los Angeles on Monday night.

Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers betting picks and predictions

Houston Rockets +5.0 (-110)

Los Angeles Lakers (45-29) and the Houston Rockets (49-26) take to the court in a crunch shootout at the top of the Western conference.

The Lakers have won two of their last three after losing three on the spin, and are fourth. They are confident enough to back themselves to cruise into the playoffs but are savvy enough to know that with a tough run-in - a double header with OKC and a return to Houston the highlights - they need to stay competitive.

And Houston, among the toughest out there in terms of physicality, will always be competitive.

The Rockets have also turned into a winning machine with nine wins in their last 10 including five on the bounce on the road.

They suit up at the Crypto.com Arena just 24 hours after leaving the floor at Phoenix - but the manner of their impressive 148-109 demolition of the Suns should offset any lingering aches.

Houston were magnificent, physically intimidating Phoenix but also shooting the lights out from the floor. They were 58.1 percent from outside the arc.

It was yet another against-the-odds victory from a Rockets' team who have been defying expectations since the start of term.

Now, they look the real deal and since none of their team had to play over 29 minutes in Phoenix so easy was the win, Fred VanVleet and co should be feeling fresh taking on James and Luka Doncic.

It's a match-up that looks to favor Houston as the league's best rebounders, a facet of the game where the Lakers don't do well.

The Lakers defense is always something of a mystery - they haven't held an opponent to under 118 in their last six games - with lack of size perhaps an issue.

Yet they have two of the best game managers in the league, scoring power to burn and that makes them a fascinating if unpredictable watch.

James, incidentally, is listed on the injury sheet - though is probable - as he recovers from a groin strain. He made 25 points in Saturday's 134-127 win over the Grizzlies, Doncic pouring in 29 and Austin Reaves 31.

The Lakers are 13-17-1 ATS when installed as at least 4.5 point favourites this season and remain inconsistent enough to be worth opposing.

Alperen Sengun Over 33.5 Points, Assists & Rebounds (-110)

Big man Alperen Sengun is the talisman in this Rockets' side, whose career-best efforts are taking Houston into the playoffs.

The Turkish center has always been a physical threat but with a pick-and-roll style that makes him one of the best of his type in the league.

He also has a great understanding with, particularly, VanVleet and Jalen Green and he has become coach Ime Udoka's go-to man when they need late baskets.

And the numbers are special. He is averaging 19.2 points, 10.5 rebounds and 4.9 assists this season. He is even improving from the line, shooting 78 percent over the last few games, up on 69 percent for the season.

Sengun mustered just 16 points, nine rebounds and three assists against Phoenix on Sunday, but don't let that influence your thinking, He only played 26 minutes.

He will like his chances of a double-double given Houston's obvious edge over the Lakers off the boards, so take the Turk to clear 33.5 points, assists and rebounds at -110.

LeBron James Under 30.5 Points & Rebounds (-115)

LeBron James is probable as he nurses a groin injury which has affected him in recent weeks.

He has had 48 hours to recover from his efforts against Memphis, against whom he had 25 points and six rebounds.

That was the first time in five matches he had gone over 30 points and rebounds while his 25 points was his best scoring performance in six matches.

He had 21 points against Houston in the previous meeting and if he doesn't deliver the minutes at the Crypto.com Arena it might be smart to bet the great man to dip under 30.5 points and rebounds.

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Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers odds

HOU Rockets	+165 ML
LA Lakers	-200 ML
Spread	LAL -5.0
Total Points	O/U 226

Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers player props

Player Points

Dillon Brooks (HOU Rockets)	O/U 13.5
Jalen Green (HOU Rockets)	O/U 21.5
Fred VanVleet (HOU Rockets)	O/U 12.5
Austin Reaves (LA Lakers)	O/U 20.5
Luka Doncic (LA Lakers)	O/U 29.5
LeBron James (LA Lakers)	O/U 23.5

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.