Houston Rockets vs LA Lakers Prediction and Betting Tips - Dec. 25 | 2025-26 NBA Season

The LA Lakers will look to get right back on the horse when they take on the Houston Rockets in Thursday’s Christmas Day slate. This will be the first meeting between the conference rivals this season. The Lakers got the better of the Rockets last season, winning the series 2-1.

This is also Luka Doncic’s first Christmas Day game in Lakers colors and could potentially be LeBron James’ last, with the 23-year NBA veteran still undecided on whether to call it a career.

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Houston Rockets vs LA Lakers Preview, Odds, Betting Tips and Prediction

Money line: Rockets -138, Lakers +120

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Spread: Rockets -2.5 (-111), Lakers +2.5 (-109)

Total over/under (o/u): Rockets o230.5 (-110), Lakers u230.5 (-109)

Editor's note: The odds could change close to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.

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Houston Rockets vs LA Lakers Preview

Rockets

This matchup marks the final stop of the Rockets’ six-game road trip, and it’s safe to say the journey hasn’t gone as planned. Houston suffered its third consecutive loss of the season after falling 128-108 to the LA Clippers.

The Rockets held a 34-23 lead early in the second half but saw it slip away in the third quarter as their struggles continued on both ends of the floor. They were inefficient from beyond the arc, hitting just nine of 30 3-pointers.

Kevin Durant led the team with 22 points, and Alperen Sengun flirted with a near triple-double, but Houston was unable to get over the recent hump.

Sengun is listed as questionable for the game with a calf issue, while Jae’Sean Tate is dealing with a left wrist contusion.

Lakers

Similarly, the Lakers also enter the game on the back of a two-game losing skid, having been blown out in both losses. They fell 103-88 to the crosstown rivals LA Clippers before losing 132-108 to the Phoenix Suns.

Despite strong performances from LeBron James, who led the team in scoring in both games with a combined 55 points, LA couldn’t sustain momentum going throughout the game, as sluggish offensive sequences continue to be a major issue.

All eyes will be on Luka Doncic, who missed the last game with a leg contusion. He is listed as day-to-day and is expected to return to the lineup. Jaxson Hayes and Rui Hachimura carry the same designation. Hayes is dealing with ankle soreness, while Hachimura is nursing a groin injury.

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Houston Rockets vs LA Lakers Predicted Starting 5s

Rockets

PG - Amen Thompson, SG - Josh Okogie, SF - Kevin Durant, PF - Jabari Smith Jr., C - Alperen Sengun

Lakers

PG - Luka Doncic, SG - Austin Reaves, SF - Rui Hachimura, PF - LeBron James, C - Deandre Ayton

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Houston Rockets vs LA Lakers Betting Tips

Luka Doncic’s points total is set at 33.5. He has crossed that mark just twice in the past five games but should be able to do so against the Rockets. Bet on the over.

Kevin Durant’s points total is set at 25.5. The oddsmakers favor him to cross the mark, and so do we. Bet on the over. This is Durant’s 11th Christmas game.

Meanwhile, LeBron James will play his 20th Christmas Day game. His total points are set at 20.5. He has crossed that mark in five of the past six games and should be able to do so on Thursday as well.

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Houston Rockets vs LA Lakers Prediction

The oddsmakers slightly favor the Rockets to get a win on the road. We, however, expect the Lakers to secure the bounce-back victory. Luka Doncic’s return will be the catalyst for the Lakers, who begin a five-game homestand. This should be a fairly high-scoring game, with the team total going over 231.5.

Edited by Mervin LR