This year, there will be five NBA Christmas games, including the Los Angeles Lakers hosting the Houston Rockets.
Between now and then, both teams will play one game, and both are among the incumbent top six seeds in the Western Conference.
Check out my Rockets vs Lakers predictions below.
Rockets vs Lakers Odds
All NBA odds used for these Rockets vs Lakers best bets are current as of Tuesday, Dec. 23, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Rockets (-198) vs Lakers (+164)
- Spread: Rockets -4.5 (-115) vs Lakers +4.5 (-105)
- Over/Under: Over 228.5 (-112) / Under 228.5 (-108)
Rockets vs Lakers Predictions
Score Prediction: Rockets 115, Lakers 109
The Lakers head into this game with a few injuries, the most serious being Luka Doncic. He’s dealing with a leg injury, and he’s already been ruled out for their Tuesday matchup against the Phoenix Suns.
Additionally, Austin Reaves is questionable for that game (calf), Gabe Vincent is likely to miss this Christmas Day showdown, and Rui Hachimura remains on the inactive list.
Even with Doncic in the lineup on Saturday before getting injured, the Lakers managed just 88 points, including 36 from LeBron James.
The Rockets have had a solid defense all season, but even if Doncic is out, I expect James to take over the game. Still, the Lakers will fall at home.
Rockets vs Lakers Best Bets for Christmas 2025
Rockets -4.5 (-115) @ Lakers
While the Rockets still have a matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers before this game, their offense has been red-hot, averaging 121 points per game this season, which is third-best in the NBA.
They also have two players averaging 23.2 points or better this season, Kevin Durant (25.3) and Alperen Sengun (23.2).
Considering how well their offense is playing, along with holding teams to the fourth-fewest points per game, and the Lakers dealing with numerous injuries, the Rockets will cover the spread to cash my NBA pick of the day.
Under 228.5 Total Points (-108)
While I think the Lakers will put up a much better effort than 88 points against the lowly Clippers, they have one too many injuries to make me confident in their scoring ability.
My hunch is that Reaves could be back in time for Christmas Day, but they’ll be without Doncic. Thus, you’re relying on James to go nuclear and on Reaves, fresh off an injury.
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On the Rockets’ side, here’s something to consider: They’ve played three overtime games over their last four, so some fatigue could set in.
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