Rockets vs Lakers Computer Picks: Our Best Player Prop Projections for Game 2

Aisha Quiñones - Betting Analyst at Covers
Aisha Quiñones • Betting Analyst 12+ years betting experience
Updated: Apr 21, 2026 , 03:22 PM ET • 4 min read

We broke down Game 2 of the NBA Playoff matchup between the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers, identifying key player prop opportunities and measuring them against the latest market lines.

LeBron James Los Angeles Lakers NBA
Photo By - Reuters Connect. Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) drives to the basket against Houston Rockets guard Josh Okogie (20) in the first half during game one.

Our NBA player prop projections are locked and loaded for tonight's Game 2 matchup between the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers, with the model flagging several high-value opportunities.

By breaking down the data and stacking it up against current market lines, we’ve identified where the strongest edges lie.

These Rockets vs. Lakers predictions aren’t based on feel — they’re backed by the numbers.

If you’re building out your card, here are the model’s top NBA picks for Tuesday, April 21.

Rockets vs Lakers computer picks for Game 2

Rockets Rockets Lakers Lakers
Sengun u18.5 points 
-105
James u24.5 points 
-112
Thompson o4.5 assists
-155
Hachimura o1.5 threes
-145
Smith Jr. o6.5 rebounds 
+100
Ayton u8.5 rebounds 
-135

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Rockets Game 2 computer picks

Alperen Şengün Under 18.5 points (-105)

Projection: 18.1 points

The Houston Rockets could see a dip in scoring opportunities tonight, as they face the Los Angeles Lakers, who have played at the third-slowest pace at home over their last five games.

That sluggish tempo could limit chances for Alperen Şengün to clear his points prop in Game 2.

🔥 Bet sengun Now at bet365!

Amen Thompson Over 4.5 assists (-155)

Projection: 5.1 assists

Amen Thompson has gone Over his 4.5 assist line in seven of his last 10 games, and despite the matchup, there’s a clear path for him to get there again against the Lakers.

Thompson’s playmaking is heavily driven by his ability to collapse defenses with size and athleticism. At his position, he presents matchup problems — especially when he attacks downhill — which often forces the Lakers into help situations.

🔥 Bet thompson Now at bet365!

Jabari Smith Jr. Over 6.5 rebounds (+100)

Projection: 6.8 rebounds

The Rockets lead the league with 15.1 offensive rebounds per game this season, and Jabari Smith Jr. is in a position to take advantage on the glass by having gone Over in four of his last 10 games on a 6.5 rebound line.

🔥 Bet smith jr. Now at bet365!


Lakers Game 2 computer picks

LeBron James Under 24.5 points (-112)

Projection: 23.6 points

This season, opposing starting power forwards have shot just 21.7% from three against the Rockets — the lowest mark in the league — creating a challenging environment for LeBron James to clear his points prop tonight.

On top of that, the Lakers could see fewer possessions overall, as Houston plays at the second-slowest pace in the league this season, which could limit scoring volume in this matchup.

🔥 Bet james Now at bet365!

Rui Hachimura Over 1.5 threes (-145)

Projection: 2.1 3-pointers

The Lakers have been the league’s most efficient three-point shooting team over their last five games, and that hot perimeter form sets up a favorable shooting environment in this matchup against the Rockets.

When Houston is on the road, opposing starting small forwards have averaged 2.4 made threes per game—the third-highest mark in the NBA this season—creating a strong spot for Rui Hachimura to stay active from beyond the arc and potentially clear his Over.

🔥 Bet Hachimura Now at bet365!

Deandre Ayton Under 8.5 rebounds (-135)

Projection: 7.4 rebounds

The Lakers have struggled on the offensive glass at home, ranking last in offensive rebounding over their previous 20 games, which has limited second-chance opportunities and, in turn, impacted Deandre Ayton’s production on the boards.

That trend aligns with his recent form as well, with Ayton finishing Under his 8.5 rebound line in seven of his last ten games.

🔥 Bet ayton Now at bet365!

How to watch Trail Blazers vs Spurs Game 2

Location Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Date Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Tip-off 10:30 p.m. ET
TV NBC/Peacock

Not intended for use in MA.
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Aisha Quiñones - Covers
Betting Analyst

Hailing from Harlem, New York, Aisha Quiñones joined Covers in 2024 after an illustrious career with several other major media outlets. A proud Johnnie, after graduating from the Big East basketball powerhouse St. John's University, Quiñones earned her bachelor's degree in sport management and journalism, then obtained her master's degree in media studies from The New School.

Over a span of 12+ years, Quiñones has built her portfolio as a writer, dipped her toe into on-camera work, and also been behind the scenes in producing sports content.

Despite being a New Yorker, Quiñones has always been a lifelong Los Angeles Lakers fan thanks to her mom's joy of watching Kobe Bryant play — so much of a fan to the point that Quiñones named her toy poodle after the late-great legend.

Her hometown roots stay true to her MLB and WNBA choice in teams, as a Yankees and Liberty fan, due to her uncle and grandmother's love for the sports throughout her childhood.

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