Some big games headline Thursday’s nine-game slate, but none bigger than the Lakers taking on the Rockets with playoff seeding on the line.
LA Lakers @ Houston Rockets
The Lakers are in outstanding form, winning nine of their last ten games including their last six, and enter this after defeating Houston on their home floor.
As for the Rockets, they haven’t won back-to-back games across their last ten, but they have consistently responded after losses during that stretch.
With the head-to-head record crucial heading into the postseason, expect a strong response from Houston.
LEG 1 - Luka Doncic 30+ Points
There were concerns around Luka a fortnight ago, but not anymore.
He’s gone on a tear over the last six games, averaging 37.8 points while scoring 30+ in all six.
The Lakers beat the Rockets just two days ago, with Luka dropping 36. Although Houston has been a strong defensive unit for most of the season, they’ve dipped slightly of late. Expect another big performance.
LEG 2 - Amen Thompson 6+ Rebounds
Rebounding numbers have been consistently strong for Thompson, averaging 7.8 per game across his last 25, with an 80% strike rate at 6+.
He pulled down 12 boards against the Lakers two days ago. Even with Sengun back, Thompson should still get his share on the glass.
LEG 3 - Alperen Sengun Under 17.5 Points
Sengun has battled injury and illness, and there are concerns around his output when Houston is at full strength.
While he averages 20.2 points for the season, that drops to 16.8 across a 20-game sample when the Rockets’ core group is on the floor without Adams.
Since January 31, he’s covered this line just once in 12 games with that combination, and has failed to clear it in his last nine.
The matchup doesn’t help either. The Lakers concede points to centres 15% below average over the last month, and Sengun managed just 14 against them last time.
Same Game Multi
Doncic 30+ Points / Thompson 6+ Rebounds / Sengun Under 17.5 Points = $4.00
VALUE BET - Austin Reaves 6+ Assists @ $3.20
Reaves’ season average sits at just 3.5 assists when sharing the floor with Luka and LeBron, but recent form tells a different story.
Across the last four games the trio has played together, Reaves is averaging 6.3 assists, hitting 6+ in three of those and missing by just one assist last game against Houston.
If Luka continues his scoring run, Reaves should continue to benefit as the primary facilitator alongside him.
