The Houston Rockets drew first blood in their conference semifinals series matchup agains the Los Angeles Lakers. Will James Harden and company go up 2-0 on Sunday? Or will the Lakers bounce back?
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Betting Preview for the Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Lakers NBA Playoffs Round 2 Game 2 September 6, 2020
Where: Walt Disney World, Orlando
When: Sunday, September 6, 2020, 8:30 PM ET
Line: Houston Rockets (+5.5) vs Los Angeles Lakers (-5.5) – view all 2020 NBA lines
TV Broadcast: ABC
Betting on the Houston Rockets (+5.5)
Regular Season Record: 44-28
So what if they’re small? The Rockets proved yet again that size does not matter that much — at least for them — as they defeated the Lakers in Game 1 of their series, 112-97. James Harden played big, finishing with 36 points, while Russell Westbrook and Eric Gordon provided 24 and 23 points, respectively. The Rockets’ guards and wings had their way against the Lakers’ defense, which was among the things expected by many before the series kicked off. The ability of Harden and Westbrook to break down defenders, slash, and pass the ball to open shooters were on full display in Game 1. Meanwhile, the lack of size in the frontcourt by Houston is compensated very well by the toughness of PJ Tucker and the versatility of Robert Covington. The two combined for just 12 points but had a total of 16 rebounds and six steals. Tucker even finished with a game-high plus-19.
The under is 4-0 in the Rockets’ last four games.
Betting on the Los Angeles Lakers (-5.5)
Regular Season Record: 52-19
LA Lakers Betting Guide: View here (it’s free!)
Do the Lakers have a “Game 1 sickness?” Just like in the first round, the Lakers lost the series opener in the conference semifinals, as the team struggled on both ends of the floor. The Lakers shot just 42.2 percent from the field and let the Rockets repeatedly waltz into the painted area for higher-percentage shots. Anthony Davis had 25 points and 12 rebounds to go with three blocks, but on some occasions, could not get it done against smaller Houston defenders. LeBron James scored 20 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, but the four-time league MVP managed a grand total of zero points in the fourth quarter. It seemed that James checked out completely in the fourth quarter, perhaps reserving his energy for Game 2, but whether that’ll work is something that remains to be seen. James is averaging 26.2 points on 57.9 percent shooting from the field in the playoffs, so far.
The over is 2-1 in the Lakers’ last three games.
Writer’s Prediction
The Lakers win, 118-112.
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