The Los Angeles Lakers seek to take a 3-0 lead in their NBA Western Conference best-of-seven series with the Houston Rockets, and our NBA player prop projections are working overtime.
The data expects a big-scoring night from NBA playoff legend Kevin Durant and a less-than-efficient one from Lakers guard Luke Kennard as we dish into Lakers vs. Rockets predictions for Game 3.
The model is pointing to four additional markets, backed by the model, for a complete six-pick card.
Read on for our NBA picks for Friday, April 24.
Lakers vs Rockets computer picks for Game 3
 Lakers |
 Rockets |
|---|---|
| Kennard u13.5 points +100 |
Durant o23.5 points -120 |
| Smart u12.5 points -112 |
Smith o15.5 points -110 |
| Hachimura o14.5 points -105 |
Thompson o17.5 points -112 |
Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout!
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game NBA moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your team goes up by 20+ points!
Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review!
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Lakers Game 3 computer picks
Luke Kennard Under 13.5 Points (+100)
Projection: 9.62 points
Luke Kennard is a spot-up shooter who needs everything to go right to crack double digits consistently. The Houston Rockets' defense won't give him clean looks, and with a projection of just 9.62 points, this Under has the biggest cushion on the entire board tonight.
Our model is not feeling his points total, and we'll back the data and play the Under.
Marcus Smart Under 12.5 Points (-112)
Projection: 10.73 points
Marcus Smart brings energy and defense, but his scoring has never been the reason you play him. He's failed to score at least 13 points in four of his previous five road games, and our NBA player prop projections have factored this in.
Against a Houston team that will make him work for everything, the Under is as straightforward of a play as you can ask for.
Rui Hachimura Over 14.5 points (-120)
Projection: 14.99 points
Rui Hachimura has been one of the Los Angeles Lakers' more dependable offensive weapons, and the model projects him to score Over his scoring prop total for the third time in six contests.
With the Rockets' defense keying on stopping LeBron James, this is a sneaky good play that deserves a spot on your ticket.
🔥 Bet hachimura Now at bet365!
Rockets Game 3 computer picks
Kevin Durant Over 23.5 points (-120)
Projection: 27.56 points
Kevin Durant is a walking bucket in a prime playoff spot against a Lakers defense that's been exploitable all season. The projections are loving this prop number, as it's something he's gone Over in five of his previous six games.
Durant averages 29.3 ppg across 171 career playoff games and is a good bet to score at least 24+ tonight.
Jabari Smith Jr. Over 15.5 Points (-110)
Projection: 15.93 points
Jabari Smith Jr. has been finding his footing as a legitimate scoring option for Houston down the stretch. He's scored at least 16 points in seven straight games, and this Lakers defense leaks like a sieve.
The Lakers don't have much of an answer for Smith, and we'll play the Over based on the data.
Amen Thompson Over 17.5 Points (-112)
Projection: 18.38 points
Amen Thompson has been quietly one of Houston's most reliable offensive contributors, and the projections back it up. His ceiling is 41 points, and his floor across the past 10 games is 16 points.
Thompson averaged nearly 24 ppg in three games against Los Angeles, and we'll back the projection model tonight.
How to watch Lakers vs Rockets Game 3
| Location | Toyota Center, Houston, TX |
| Date | Friday, April 24, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | Prime Video |
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
