The Rockets head to Staples Center on Tuesday for a battle with the Lakers, looking for their second victory of the season. They have opened up 1-5, while L.A. is 4-3, not too much better to this point, actually. It is going to be all about Houston’s youngsters in this game and if they can play up to par to guide their team to a victory away from home.
Having had four first-round picks, there is plenty of youth here, combining the acquisitions of last season. Josh Christopher and Usman Garuba are not getting any run yet, but they should by the time the year comes to its end. They have nowhere near as many young players as the Thunder do, but something special will be happening in Houston before too long. No doubt.
As for the Lakers, they are relying on their various veterans to win them their games. Along with Austin Reaves, the only rookie they have, who has been playing surprisingly well, having been thrown right into the fire with expectations sky-high for the team he represents. As guys come back, L.A. should get better and better, but tough sledding still awaits.
The game is going to feature a lot of athletic plays from players, young and old, alike. Plenty of highlights will come out of this.
Betting Odds & Lines
The Lakers are hefty favorites at -10.5. The over/under is set at 218 points. The HOU moneyline is +410, while L.A. is -555.
Rockets Aim for Win No. 2
1-5 is not the start the Rockets wanted, but there are also no expectations on the season. They started hot a year ago, going on a nice streak after trading James Harden. But then Christian Wood got hurt, and the losses piled up. Plus, they moved Victor Oladipo at the deadline, so there was also that.
The biggest issue to worry about is turnovers. Kevin Porter Jr. was amazing in his time last year but has had some major turnover problems to open in 2021. He has had a game with nine and is averaging over four of them per contest. He will not be a starter beyond the season if he cannot get that in check.
Christian Wood is by far the team’s biggest X-factor for this game.
Lakers Seeking Fifth Win
4-3 is not what L.A. envisioned to start the year, but at least they are over .500. Blowing a 25-pt lead to OKC was also certainly not on the docket, but you cannot win them all. The big thing is having the veterans healthy and on the court. If all three of Russell Westbrook, Anthony Davis, and LeBron James are out there, good things tend to happen.
This is not going to be an easy game for them, not like the spread suggests. The Lakers need to stay locked in and make sure to limit explosive plays from their talented opponents.
Lakers Cover, Win
The game will be close for three quarters before L.A. turns on the jets for the final frame. And win big.
Betting Picks:
- LAL -10.5
- Under 218
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