Midway Report
The Rockets, who were heavy favorites entering into tonight’s game, are now just two quarters away from clinching the victory. At the moment, they lead the Lakers by 67 points, giving themselves a slight buffer.
Assuming they maintain their current level of play, the Rockets will quickly improve their record to 23-12. Conversely, unless they immediately improve their situation, the Lakers will be content with a 20–15 record.
Matchup: Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Scores as of right now: 20-14 Los Angeles, 22-12 Houston
A Guide to Viewing
Date: January 5, 2025, 7 PM Eastern Time
Position: Toyota Center in Houston, TX
Channel: Space City Home
Stay updated: CBS Sports App
Streaming video online: fuboTV (Free trial available). Some areas may have different regulations.)
Cost of Ticket: $100.00
Things to Understand
On Sunday at 7:00 p.m. ET, the Houston Rockets will resume their homestand at Toyota Center with a game against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers’ offence will have their hands full against the Rockets, whose defense has only given up 106.4 points per game so far this season.
Last week, the oddsmakers placed the over/under at 220.5, which was too high, but the Rockets are coming into this one with a new mindset. As bad as Friday’s 109-86 loss to the Celtics was, things really could have been worse. This was the game with the fewest points scored by Houston this season.
The Rockets’ lack of teamwork and nine assists at game’s end was perhaps not unexpected considering the score. They’ve never had less assists than that this season.
On the other hand, the Lakers were able to defeat the Hawks in every quarter because to their balanced offensive. The Lakers breezed past the Hawks, 119-102, to win the game. With this victory, Los Angeles has now won two games in a row.
James, who shot 13 for 20 and finished with 30 points and eight assists, and Davis, who finished with 18 points and nineteen rebounds, were the Lakers’ main contributors. Davis has been on fire as of late, recording 13 rebounds or more in each of his last three games.
The Texans’ 22-12 record has taken a hit due to their recent struggles, as they have dropped three of their last four games. The Lakers are riding high right now, having won four of their last five games to improve their record to 20-14 on the season.
The match on Sunday is developing into a physical battle: With an average of 48.9 rebounds per game, the Rockets have been a rim-rattling machine this season, good enough to rank first in the NBA in that statistic. However, things are different for the Lakers because they have been averaging just 41.7. The Lakers must figure out how to cut into the Rockets’ lead in that department, since they have a significant advantage.
Experts see the Rockets winning their upcoming game by 4.5 points, making them the clear favorite. They are now 1-3 against the spread during their current homestand, and this game will be their fifth in a row.
Odds
According to the most recent NBA odds, Houston is favored by 4.5 points over Los Angeles.
The oddsmakers and betting public were in complete agreement on this one, as the spread for the game remained at 4.5 points from the start.
The total number of points predicted is 218.
