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The next time the sports betting gods deal out a bad beat, just think of those who backed Kevin Durant to clear his points prop in Game 2 of this opening-round series.
Durant came out hot, dropping 20 points in the first half with the Over 23.5 looking well within reach before managing just three more the rest of the way.
It was a rough night for the “it’s rigged” crowd, and the backlash was swift, with criticism pouring in over his second-half fade and growing doubts about Houston’s chances after falling behind 0-2.
My Lakers vs. Rockets predictions know all too well that Durant is fueled by drama, and our NBA picks are buying low on one of the great postseason performers for Friday, April 24.
Tip-off is set for 8:00 p.m. ET from the Toyota Center in Houston, with the game airing on Prime Video.
Lakers vs Rockets prediction
Lakers vs Rockets best bet: Kevin Durant Over 23.5 points (-115)
Kevin Durant started Game 2 hitting 6-of-7 from the field and cashing in all seven of his free throws. After the halftime break, he was 1-for-5 shooting and went 1-of-2 from the charity stripe, drawing aggressive attention from the Los Angeles Lakers’ defense.
Afterwards, as reporters gushed over the Lakers’ defensive game plan, LeBron James was hesitant to celebrate the success on KD, knowing what was coming.
“That just makes him even madder going into Game 3,” James warned the media.
Forgotten in all the shit talk directed at Durant is that he was a game-time decision for Tuesday’s tilt after sitting out Game 1 with a knee contusion and playing his first contest since April 10.
Now, with the series swinging to Houston, Durant has extra days to strengthen that knee as well as drink in all the hate from the mainstream media. And when asked about how he should have dealt with the constant double teams from Los Angeles, Durant’s solution was to attack.
“I’m trying to make passes… But I feel like I’ve got to shoot more of those and put my teammates in better positions,” Durant told reporters.
That was his plan before the playoffs, when he exploded for more than 27 points on 54.4% shooting over his final 13 outings, leading the Houston Rockets to a 10-3 SU mark in those games. He topped 23.5 points in all but two of those showings.
The 12 FGAs in Game 2 tied his lowest shot total during that run, and if Durant is a man of his word, he’ll get up at least his usual 17 attempts in Game 3. Projections sit as high as 28 points for a guy who’s averaged more than 29 points in the playoffs throughout his career.
Lakers vs Rockets same-game parlay
The Rockets may win this one, but the spread seems out of whack considering how well the Lakers are playing right now. I expect some offensive adjustments from Houston, but I don’t have it winning by 10 points.
The Lakers have gotten some great performances from their role players, and Rui Hachimura has been quietly consistent through two games. He’s shooting a collective 11-for-20 from the field (5-for-10 on 3-pointers), doesn’t shrink on the road, and is projected for as many as 15 points in Game 3.
Lakers vs Rockets SGP
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Kevin Durant Over 23.5 points
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Rui Hachimura Over 13.5 points
Our “from downtown” SGP: Get your GOAT
LeBron knows what’s coming from KD in Game 3. This could be the GOAT on GOAT battle we’ve been waiting for in this series. The Lakers keep it closer than oddsmakers expect, while the Rockets’ offense will finally find its way and top this ultra-low total.
Lakers vs Rockets SGP
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Kevin Durant Over 23.5 points
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LeBron James Over 24.5 points
Lakers vs Rockets odds for Game 3
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Spread: Los Angeles +9.5 (-110) | Houston -9.5 (-110)
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Moneyline: Los Angeles +320 | Houston -400
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Over/Under: Over 205.5 (-110) | Under 205.5 (-110)
Lakers vs Rockets betting trend to know
NBA playoff totals of 206 points or lower have produced a 21-14 Over/Under record the past three postseasons (60% Overs). Find more NBA betting trends for Lakers vs. Rockets.
How to watch Lakers vs Rockets Game 3
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Location |
Toyota Center, Houston, TX |
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Date |
Friday, April 24, 2026 |
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Tip-off |
8:00 p.m. ET |
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TV |
Prime Video |
Lakers vs Rockets latest injuries
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