Houston Rockets vs LA Lakers Prediction 4/24/26 NBA Picks Today

The Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets collide at the Toyota Center on Game 3 on Friday night.

The Los Angeles Lakers stumbled their way into the NBA Playoffs with two key players sitting out injured so they were opened as underdogs in their first two games, but that didn’t seem to faze them at all as the Lakers now hold a 2-0 series lead after beating the Rockets by 101-94 in Game 2 on Tuesday. LeBron James led the team with 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, Marcus Smart added 25 points with seven assists and five steals while Luke Kennard chipped in with 23 points on eight of 13 shooting. As a team, the Lakers shot 46 percent from the field and 13 of 28 from the 3-point line as they looked to be in a bit of trouble after squandering an early 15-point lead, but they regrouped and went on a pivotal 13-4 run in the third quarter to regain control and keep the lead for the rest of the game despite getting just six points total from their bench players.

Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets will be kicking themselves after missing out on a second chance to steal home-court advantage with a disappointing performance in Game 2. Kevin Durant rejoined the lineup to lead the team with 23 points, six rebounds and four assists on seven of 12 shooting, Alperen Sengun added 20 points with 11 rebounds, five assists, four steals and two blocks while Jabari Smith Jr chipped in with 18 points. As a team, the Rockets shot 40 percent from the field and just seven of 29 from the 3-point line as they got into a groove in the second quarter to overcome a 15-point deficit and take the lead, but it didn’t last long at all as they trailed the rest of the way after scoring just 17 points in the third quarter. In a game that was closely contested throughout, it was the turnovers that really killed the Rockets and Durant was the worst offender as he racked up nine turnovers.

The Lakers are still missing Luka Doncic with Austin Reaves listed as a game time decision, while the Rockets have ruled out Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams with Kevin Durant listed as a game time decision with an ankle injury. The Lakers would’ve taken plenty of confidence from their two gritty wins and now they are in position to take a commanding 3-0 series lead against a Rockets team that could be without Durant for this one (although I am sure he will play). The Rockets will be kicking themselves after dropping the first two games, but the series now shifts to the Toyota Center where role players like Jabari Smith Jr and Josh Okogie will likely step up. I do expect the Rockets to bounce back with a crucial win in this one, but the line still seems a little too high for this matchup.

Peter Tran's Free Pick: LA Lakers +9.5

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