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The Los Angeles Lakers overcame a six-point halftime deficit to deliver a win over the Houston Rockets on Monday, but Houston will look to get back on track in tonight’s rematch.
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Amen Thompson has been on a heater, and my Lakers vs Rockets predictions expect him to stay hot and lead Houston to a much-needed victory.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this star-studded Western Conference matchup on Wednesday, March 18.
Lakers vs Rockets prediction
Lakers vs Rockets best bet: Amen Thompson Over 31.5 points + rebounds + assists (-110)
Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson is enjoying a breakout campaign with a PRA average of 30.8.
He’s reached 32+ PRA in 33 of 65 games, including 18 of 31 appearances at home. In nine games since posting a dud against the Orlando Magic, he’s averaged 35.3 PRA and hit the Over on this combo line eight times.
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Thompson finished with 36 PRA on Monday, and he went for 38 PRA in his first matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers. Thompson can use his length and athleticism to get to the rim and clean the glass, just like he did on Monday.
Lakers vs Rockets same-game parlay
The Rockets are just 12-18 ATS as the home favorite but 23-7 straight up in that situation. The Rockets are an NBA-best 19-6 straight up after a loss, and the Lakers will have a difficult time beating them twice in a row on the road.
Houston led through two quarters despite a poor showing from Kevin Durant and the absence of Alperen Sengun, and I expect them to close the deal tonight.
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Both teams have hit the Under in six of their last 10, including Monday, in which the teams combined for just 192 points. The Rockets are 10-19-1 to the Under as the home favorite, and the Lakers are 7-8 to the Under as the road underdog.
Lakers vs Rockets SGP
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Amen Thompson Over 31.5 points + rebounds + assists
Our “from downtown” SGP: Combo Craze
Durant is averaging 34.7 PRA on the season, and he’s reached 35+ in two of his last three at home. He finished with just 25 on Monday, but he went for 37 in his first matchup with L.A. and can bounce back tonight.
Sengun is back in action after two games on the sideline with a back injury. He’s averaging 36.3 PRA at home this season, and he finished with 30 when he faced the Lakers in December.
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Jabari Smith Jr. finished with 30 PRA on Monday and 23 PRA in his first matchup with the Lakers. He’s averaged 25.6 across his last five games, hitting the Over on this line four times in that span.
Lakers vs Rockets SGP
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Kevin Durant Over 34.5 points + rebounds + assists
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Amen Thompson Over 31.5 points + rebounds + assists
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Alperen Sengun Over 31.5 points + rebounds + assist
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Jabari Smith Jr. Over 22.5 points + rebounds + assists
Lakers vs Rockets odds
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Spread: Lakers +2.5 (-110) | Rockets -2.5 (-110)
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Moneyline: Lakers +120 | Rockets -140
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Over/Under: Over 222 (-110) | Under 222 (-110)
Lakers vs Rockets betting trend to know
The Houston Rockets have hit the Game Total Under in 29 of their last 40 games (+16.90 Units / 38% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Lakers vs. Rockets.
How to watch Lakers vs Rockets
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Location |
Toyota Center, Houston, TX |
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Date |
Wednesday, March 18, 2026 |
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Tip-off |
9:30 p.m. ET |
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TV |
ESPN |
Lakers vs Rockets latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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