The playoffs are here, and one of the more intriguing first-round matchups sees the Lakers take on the Rockets, with both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves sidelined.
Houston Rockets @ LA Lakers
The Lakers secured the four-seed and will need that home court advantage as they look to advance without two key pieces.
It’s a huge ask, but Houston’s second-half form has been underwhelming. Can the Lakers pinch Game 1 at home?
Leg 1 - Deandre Ayton Over 13.5 Points
Backing Ayton is never comfortable, but this Lakers team needs his scoring alongside LeBron, who will draw heavy defensive attention from Amen Thompson.
Ayton is averaging 16.5 points in the four games he’s played without Luka and Reaves but with LeBron, including 22 points in just 25 minutes last start against Utah.
He also had 16 against Houston in their March meeting.
Leg 2 - LeBron James 6+ Rebounds
LeBron’s rebounding numbers lift without Luka and Reaves, averaging 7.2 boards across five such games this season.
He’s hit 6+ rebounds in four of those, and while he only managed four last start, he played just 16 minutes.
Expect him closer to 36 minutes in this spot.
Leg 3 - Kevin Durant 4+ Assists
Durant’s usage should be high as Houston looks to steal Game 1 on the road.
He’s averaging 5.9 assists across his last 17 games and has recorded 4+ assists in 14 of those.
He’s also averaged 4.7 assists in three games against the Lakers this season.
Same Game Multi
Ayton Over 13.5 Points / LeBron 6+ Rebounds / Durant 4+ Assists = $3.40
Value Bet - Marcus Smart 6+ Assists @ $3.35
Marcus Smart has stepped into the primary playmaking role and performed strongly.
He recorded seven assists in 18 minutes against the Suns, then followed up with 10 in 26 minutes against Utah.
If those minutes hold, six assists looks very achievable, with upside in higher alt lines once available.
