Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets Game 4 Betting Preview

 

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets Game 4 Betting Preview

 

After taking Game 3 of a Western Conference semifinal series, the Los Angeles Lakers are primed to take control in Game 4 on Thursday. With its 10-point victory over the Houston Rockets in Game 3, the favored Lakers covered with ease.

However, as things get a little more intense ahead of Game 4 on Thursday night, there are those that think the series is over. But is it? Keep reading to find out which direction we go with our free pick.

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Here’s the underdog case for taking the Rockets in Game 4.

Harden, Westbrook to Come Up Big

Since there isn’t any true homecourt advantage in the NBA bubble, we can discount the home or upset factors for the place of play. The fact is, in every single game, the best team has to play its best no matter what.

Harden, in every single game, has performed fairly well, but he was especially spectacular in Game 1, the Rockets’ sole victory in the series thus far. Beyond Harden by himself, he’d need Russell Westbrook to play as well as he did in Game 1 also.

Westbrook put up 24 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, nearly tallying a triple-double. This is essential to keep in mind, and if you’re trying to make the underdog case, you have to believe that they’re both going to pair up and perform exceptionally well in Game 4.

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Harden nearly notched a triple-double in Game 3, and Westbrook played very well himself, but LeBron James and Anthony Davis were unstoppable. Together, they combined for over 60 points, an absurd amount for the Rockets duo.

Beyond their outstanding performances, they are going to have a heck of Game 4 and be able to provide the opportunities for their compatriots, namely Eric Gordon and PJ Tucker, to show up when it matters.

A big criticism historically of Westbrook is his lack of clutchness, which is unfortunately supported by atrocious go-ahead field-goal attempts with a minute or less throughout his career. Despite a strong first-half showing in Game 3, the Lakers took over in the second half, outscoring the Rockets by 13 despite having a slightly less than stellar first half.

As sports handicappers, we like the Rockets’ supporting cast to help out their superstars and put on a performance for the ages to get them back in the series.

The Numbers that Matter

As with virtually every game in the series, the Rockets are anywhere between 4.5- to 5.5-point underdogs, and around +300 on the moneyline at top online sportsbooks. Essentially, the bookmakers are basically saying that this game is a cinch for the Lakers.

But we really like the Rockets to put up a much better fight, as the Lakers will come out flat, and the Rockets will make the series slightly more competitive. Now, we should let it be known: We don’t think the Rockets are going to win the series.

We like the Lakers to win in six games, but for that to happen, the Rockets obviously need to get another victory.

Game 4 is the perfect time to make that happen.

Take the Rockets on the moneyline, but go heavier on the spread just to be safe.