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Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets Betting Preview
Christmas Day brings star power to Los Angeles as the Lakers host the Houston Rockets in a matchup featuring two teams searching for consistency. Both remain in the top half of the Western Conference, but neither enters in peak form. The Lakers have dropped three of their last five, while Houston has lost four of five during a difficult road stretch.
Los Angeles is expected to get Luka Doncic back after he missed Tuesday’s loss in Phoenix. His return matters after the Lakers surrendered nearly 59 percent shooting and struggled with physicality in the paint. LeBron James remains the focal point on the holiday, already holding the NBA record for Christmas games played and points scored.
Houston arrives frustrated but steady. Kevin Durant downplayed recent losses and continues to lead a roster that has shown defensive lapses away from home. Alperen Sengun gives the Rockets interior production, but perimeter breakdowns have cost them against teams willing to push pace.
For a full look at the holiday slate, visit the NBA previews hub.
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Line Movement and Odds
Los Angeles opened -4.5 and moved to -6 once Luka Doncic was reported available. Houston now sits at +6, drawing some buyback interest from sharper bettors expecting a response game.
The total opened at 238 and climbed to 240, driven by pace expectations and star availability. Moneyline pricing favors the Lakers around -240, with Houston returning roughly +200.
Follow real-time updates on the NBA odds board.
Matchup Breakdown
Los Angeles must defend the paint and rebound better. Deandre Ayton adds size, but effort and transition defense remain issues. With Doncic active, the Lakers’ half-court efficiency rises, and their assist rate improves significantly.
Houston’s success hinges on shot selection and perimeter defense. The Rockets have allowed heavy three-point volume on this road trip and cannot afford similar lapses against a Lakers team that thrives when spacing opens for LeBron and Doncic. Sengun’s ability to finish through contact will test Los Angeles’ interior discipline.
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Injuries and Conditions
Los Angeles Lakers
- Luka Doncic, lower leg contusion, expected to play
- Austin Reaves, calf, active
- Jarred Vanderbilt, foot, out
See full Los Angeles Lakers injury report.
Houston Rockets
- Kevin Durant, no injury designation
- Alperen Sengun, no injury designation
- Dillon Brooks, ankle, questionable
See full Houston Rockets injury report.
This game is indoors. No weather impact.
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Best Bets and Prediction
The Lakers’ offense stabilizes with Doncic back, and the market move reflects that expectation. Houston’s road defense and recent perimeter issues make it hard to trust them as underdogs, even with Durant capable of swinging momentum.
Projected Score: Lakers 122, Rockets 114
Best Bet: Lakers -6
Secondary Lean: Over 240
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