The Houston Rockets face an uphill battle tonight as they host the Los Angeles Lakers, who are confident and holding a 2-0 series lead.
To make matters worse, the Rockets will be without Kevin Durant once again, and that has seen the Rockets' spread shorten.
My Lakers vs. Rockets predictions and NBA picks believe Rui Hachimura can be a difference maker for the Lakers on Friday, April 24.
- UPDATE: Added new selections after Kevin Durant's injury news.
Lakers vs Rockets prediction
Who will win Lakers vs Rockets Game 3?
Rockets: Houston has enjoyed extra time to rest and reset, ironing out the offensive kinks in time for a win in Game 3.
The Rockets are still laying -6.5 on Friday, and while that may be a tad too much, Houston will get right.
Lakers vs Rockets best bet: Rui Hachimura Over 13.5 points (-110)
Rui Hachimura has quietly carved out a consistent scoring role for the Los Angeles Lakers, and the matchup sets up well for that to continue.
The Houston Rockets have shown a tendency to collapse into the paint, leaving corner shooters exposed — exactly where Hachimura thrives.
He’s already posted 13 and 14 points in the first two games while shooting 11-for-20 from the field, and most of that production is coming on clean, repeatable looks.
With steady minutes and a slight bump in available shots, this number is still a step behind his current role.
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Lakers vs Rockets same-game parlay
The Rockets may win this one, but the spread seems out of whack considering how well the Lakers are playing right now. I expect some offensive adjustments from Houston, but I don’t think they're going to pull away.
The Lakers have gotten some great performances from their role players, and Rui Hachimura has been quietly consistent through two games. He’s shooting a collective 11-for-20 from the field (5-for-10 on 3-pointers), doesn’t shrink on the road, and is projected for as many as 15 points in Game 3.
Lakers vs Rockets SGP
- Lakers +6.5
- Rui Hachimura Over 13.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Opportunity knocks for LBJ
Without Durant in the lineup, LeBron James should thrive as a scorer and take his opportunity to push the Rockets to the brink.
The Lakers keep it closer than oddsmakers expect, while the Rockets’ offense will finally find its way and top this ultra-low total.
Lakers vs Rockets SGP
- Lakers +6.5
- Over 206.5
- Rui Hachimura Over 13.5 points
- LeBron James Over 23.5 points
Lakers vs Rockets odds for Game 3
- Spread: Los Angeles +9.5 (-110) | Houston -9.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Los Angeles +320 | Houston -400
- Over/Under: Over 205.5 (-110) | Under 205.5 (-110)
Lakers vs Rockets betting trend to know
NBA playoff totals of 206 points or lower have produced a 21-14 Over/Under record the past three postseasons (60% Overs). Find more NBA betting trends for Lakers vs. Rockets.
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 |
Lakers vs Rockets latest injuries
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