If the Los Angeles Lakers aren't careful, the Houston Rockets could still make this an interesting series.
These Rockets vs. Lakers props and NBA picks expect Los Angeles to emphasize the importance of Game 5 on Wednesday, April 29.
Best Rockets vs Lakers props for Game 5
| Player | Pick |  |
|---|---|---|
 LeBron James |
Over 7.5 assists | -135 |
 Tari Eason |
Over 13.5 points | +102 |
| DeAndre Ayton |
10+ rebounds | +200 |
Game 5 Prop #1: LeBron James Over 7.5 assists
All facets of the Los Angeles Lakers’ offense failed in Game 4. Or, perhaps more charitably, every aspect of the Houston Rockets’ defense succeeded in Game 4.
Either way, LeBron James tallying nine assists stood out.
No Laker scored more than 13 points aside from Deandre Ayton, who was ejected after just 25 minutes of action. No Laker knocked down multiple threes either, outside of Dalton Knecht’s two makes in garbage time.
As a team, Los Angeles shot 50% from the field and 23% from deep. Yet, James set up nine buckets for his teammates.
If LeBron can do that amid such a paltry offensive showing, it should be trusted that James will continue playmaking, even as Houston dials up its defense.
Game 5 Prop #2: Tari Eason Over 13.5 points
As the Rockets routed the Lakers in Game 4, Tari Eason deserves particular credit.
Eason finished with a +31 mark in only 30 minutes, buoyed by 20 points on 7-for-10 shooting and eight rebounds.
More Eason will make sense in Game 5. Leaning on him in Game 3 didn’t pay off offensively — the Houston forward finished with just five points — but he still posted a +6 across nearly 46 minutes in a game where the Rockets ultimately lost by four in overtime.
When Eason is on the court, Houston is better. So, logically, Eason should be on the court more.
Game 5 Prop #3: DeAndre Ayton 10+ rebounds
He may have been (questionably) ejected, but DeAndre Ayton was just about the only piece of the Lakers that worked in Game 4.
The Rockets are likely willing to take that risk again, knowing Ayton’s offensive ceiling is limited compared to someone like LeBron or even Luke Kennard.
LA's starting center went 9-for-12 from the field for 19 points while grabbing 10 rebounds in just 25 minutes. He’s the Lakers' best source of size, and getting +200 odds on him to record another double-double in rebounds offers great value.
Ayton grabbed 11 rebounds in Game 1, a similar showing to Game 4 in many regards. This is simply a foolish price.
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Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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