Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets Preview
Where: Toyota Center — Houston, Texas
When: Wednesday, December 7, 2016, 8:00 PM ET
Line: Los Angeles Lakers (+12) vs. Houston Rockets (-12); total: 220.0 – view all NBA lines
TV Broadcast: TWSN / C+ D
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Betting on the Los Angeles Lakers (+12)
The Lakers dropped their third-straight game (0-3 ATS) on Monday night to Utah, 107-101, and also lost another player—Tarik Black—to an injury.
A total of five players—D’Angelo Russell (knee), Nick Young (calf), Jose Calderon (hamstring), Larry Nance Jr. and Black (ankle)—are currently dealing with physical setbacks for the purple and gold, who now go on the road for their second regular-season meeting versus the Rockets.
Nance Jr. is probable to play, though, and every bit of his energy is going to be much-needed for the Lakers get back on track and, hopefully, pull out the upset in Houston.
LA’s offense has taken a big hit with all the injuries, managing just 93.0 points in the last five games. The team’s only consistent source of points has been Lou Williams, who followed up a 40-point night at Memphis with 38 points, six rebounds and seven assists in the loss to the Jazz.
Betting on the Houston Rockets (-12)
Houston began the season on a sour note, losing its opener to the Lakers at Staples Center, 120-114. The Rockets still lost that game despite a huge night from James Harden, who finished with 34 points and a career-high 17 assists.
Expect Harden and co. to avenge that loss, though. Everyone seems to have fully adjusted under coach Mike D’Antoni’s run-and-gun system, as the team ranks second overall in scoring with 111.1 points per game this season, including 122.3 points in the last three games.
Harden’s been leading the attack not just through scoring, but also by being the catalyst. He’s No. 1 in the league in assists per game (11.6) and fourth in points (28.7). Harden should be able to sustain his averages against an injury-filled Lakers squad that’s allowing nearly 110 points a game.
The Rockets have won their previous three games (2-1 ATS) and four of their last five at home (3-2 ATS).
Writer’s Prediction
Houston (-12) routes the Lakers, 119-106.
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