The Los Angeles Lakers (3-0) and Houston Rockets (0-3) will meet for Game 4 of their first-round NBA playoff series tonight, Sunday, April 26. Tip-off from the Toyota Center in Houston is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET, with the national broadcast airing live on NBC and Peacock.
Despite the absence of Kevin Durant, the Rockets are 3-point home favorites over the Lakers in Game 4, while the over/under is set at 205.5 total points. Houston is a -140 moneyline favorite to save its season and extend the series, while Los Angeles is priced at +146 to win and advance to the next round.
Continue below for my Lakers vs. Rockets predictions and NBA betting picks for tonight’s potential close-out game.
Lakers vs Rockets Prediction
- Lakers vs Rockets pick: Over 205.5 (-110)
My Lakers vs. Rockets Game 4 betting prediction is the total to go over 205.5 points. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Lakers vs Rockets Game 4 Odds
| Lakers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3 -115 | 205.5 -110o / -110u | +120 |
| Rockets Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3 -105 | 205.5 -110o / -110u | -140 |
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Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets NBA Playoffs Preview
There’s sharp money on the Lakers in this spot. I don’t want any part of this side because you have to think at some point the Rockets will play with a little bit of pride — but also, maybe they won’t?
Who knows whether Kevin Durant plays after missing Game 3 with ankle soreness, after already missing Game 1 with knee soreness — but the line certainly indicates confidence in him playing in Game 4 today.
I think this Lakers team knows how to play together and smells blood, but I’m not sure I want to believe the Rockets won’t at least win their last home game of the season.
This series is very unstable, and there’s no way of knowing what’s going to happen, even if the Lakers have soundly beaten the Rockets in all three matchups.
If Austin Reaves comes back, does that mess with the Lakers’ rhythm or solve some of their offensive problems? It’s a mess of a series, and I’m too afraid to bet either side.
This has to be a Rockets spot, but teams up 3-0 as road 'dogs are 8-7 SU and 9-5 ATS. I will avoid this line like the plague.
Lakers vs Rockets Picks, Betting Predictions
Over 205.5
Reaves almost played in Game 3, but was a late scratch. If we assume he plays in Game 4 tonight, the over will be the right side of the total; not just for his offense, but also how it effects the Lakers defense.
Reaves is not a gritty, tough defender like the rest of the players currently in the Lakers’ lineup. He’s a target, but he can also make offense look effortless.
Reaves gives the Rockets another guard to switch-hunt, and might make it tougher for the Lakers to hide some of their other weaker defenders. He might not play, but if he does, this should be an over-spot.
Jabari Smith Jr. Over 24.5 Points, Rebounds & Assists
Jabari Smith has gone over this line in all three games in the series. He’ll continue to get open looks simply because the Lakers aren’t afraid of him.
Rui Hachimura Over 1.5 Three-Pointers Made
Rui Hachimura has made over 1.5 three-pointers in six straight games, and the defense will have to collapse more with Reaves back, leaving more room for Rui to spot-up.
Lakers vs Rockets Game 4 Best Bets
- Over 205.5 (-110)
- Jabari Smith Jr. Over 24.5 Points, Rebounds & Assists (-130)
- Rui Hachimura Over 1.5 Three-Pointers Made (-150)
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