The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Houston Rockets 100-92 on Monday, and now they're back for more at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, March 18.
Our computers have crunched the numbers to bring you NBA player prop projections for this quick rematch.
For more NBA picks, check out Zak Hanshew's Lakers vs. Rockets predictions ahead of tonight's 9:30 p.m. ET tip.
Lakers vs Rockets computer picks for March 18
 Lakers |
 Rockets |
|---|---|
| Ayton o9.5 points -105 |
Sheppard o12.5 points -120 |
| Doncic u31.5 points -110 |
Eason o9.5 points -115 |
| Smart o2.5 rebounds +140 |
Sengun u8.5 rebounds -135 |
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Lakers computer picks
Deandrea Ayton Over 9.5 points (-105)
Projection: 11.1 points
Deandre Ayton came up just short in Monday's contest, but we're going back to the well with the Los Angeles Lakers big man, who remains a steady presence in the paint.
The Lakers' superb 120.7 points per game rate sixth-strongest in the NBA over the last 10 games, and this is a low enough total that Ayton is appealing with his low ceiling but relatively high floor.
Luka Doncic Under 31.5 points (-110)
Projection: 30.3 points
Yes, Luka Doncic scored 36 points on Monday, but this Houston Rockets defense is excellent and can't be expected to lay down again.
The matchup is a hard one; when the Rockets are playing at home, they have allowed the second-fewest points per game to the opposing team's starting PGs over the last 10 games.
The Lakers also rank as the second-worst offensive rebounding offense over the last 25 games (offensive rebounds maintain possession, and a lack of them can eliminate extra opportunities for scoring and assists).
Marcus Smart Over 2.5 rebounds (+140)
Projection: 2.7 rebounds
Marcus Smart isn't your prototypical rebounder, but this is a low enough number that he's cleared in six of his last 10 games.
The matchup isn't super favorable, but that's accounted for with the +140 line.
Rockets computer picks
Reed Sheppard Over 12.5 points (-120)
Projection: 14.6 points
Even though Reed Sheppard has been relatively quiet, going Under this total in three of his last four games, he had cleared 12.5 points in six straight before that.
The Rockets check in as the best offensive rebounding offense in the NBA this year (offensive rebounds maintain possession and can therefore provide added opportunities for scoring and assists).
Plus, Sheppard still played 31 minutes on Monday, so his floor time hasn't diminished.
Tari Eason Over 9.5 points (-115)
Projection: 11.2 points
Don't fret the fact that Tari Eason has scored double-digit points just once in his last 10 games. Despite Monday's five-point dud on 2-for-11 shooting, including 0-for-3 from deep, this should generally be a positive matchup.
The Lakers are vulnerable from beyond the arc, and Eason put up 13 points against the Lakers when these squads met on Christmas Day.
Alperen Sengun Under 8.5 rebounds (-135)
Projection: 7.9 rebounds
Alperen Sengun has sat out the Rockets' last two games with a lingering back issue and was limited to 24 minutes against the Nuggets when he last played.
While he's averaged 8.9 boards this season, that injury may keep his minutes low and prevent him from being at his best when he is on the floor. The Rockets also play at a sluggish pace, which will take away volume, especially if Sengun isn't playing his full share in his first game back.
How to watch Lakers vs Rockets tonight
| Location | Toyota Center, Houston, TX |
| Date | Wednesday, March 18, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 9:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
Not intended for use in MA.
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