The defending champs took down Houston in game 1 Sunday 120 – 102. The Rockets will seek revenge tonight as they prepare for a rematch. Can they even up the series and take advantage as they play on home court?
Game Details
- Date & Time: Tuesday, January 12, 2021 – 8:00PM ET
- Venue: Toyota Center, Houston, Texas
Game Preview
This matchup was always an intense one as both teams battled in the west throughout the years, and their last meeting did not disappoint, since it included five technical fouls, two flagrant fouls and the first-half ejections of Markieff Morris and DeMarcus Cousins. Which means that we should be up for an exciting match this evening as well.
“Houston, We Have A Problem“
We’ve been down that road before for Houston, as they are still struggling losing 3 of their last 5 games. We know they have what it takes to get going. With their All-Star duo Harden & Wall, and the acquisition of Christian Wood who’s playing some incredible basketball, averaging 23.3 points in 33.8 minutes so far this season. He’s scored 20+ points in all of his 7 games as a Rocket.
We thought Houston would get better after their blowout win against Orlando last Friday, but that wasn’t the case when they met the Lakers after, as the defending champs started the game well and never looked back. They have the needed pieces to perform better, but it seems like the effort is not there as they lack consistency from certain players who are not giving 100% right now. They need a statement win and they need it now, and what’s a better occasion for it than tonight as they prepare for a rematch against the champs. Will they have what it takes to do it?
The Lakers on the other hand are still undefeated on the road this season, they will look to extend their run with another W against Houston. With Lebron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers have arguably one of the best, if not the best, duo in the NBA. Both are playing All Star basketball at the moment, with LBJ averaging 24.0 points in 32.6 minutes and AD averaging 22.9 points in 32.9 minutes. One of many reasons the Lakers kept the first spot in the NBA power rankings.
Coming off from a long awaited championship, the Lakers wasted no time improving their roster in the offseason, as they added key players in Harrell & Schroder, while also acquiring the services of the spanish big man Gasol and other players. However, one of the team’s best performance in the win against Houston should be awarded to Talen Horton-Tucker who had a solid 17 points off the bench.
Prediction & Betting Tips
Houston has had their struggles so far, but it’s normal for a team that made many changes in the offseason while also acquiring a new coach. The Lakers also made changes, but they have enough experience to stay consistent and win another championship this season.
The Rockets should be better prepared, as they look to make some adjustments on defense and shoot the ball better. Therefore, Houston should make life harder for the Lakers, but eventually LA will prevail and win this one. Taking these factors into consideration, it should be a closer game so playing the spread might sound reasonable.
Keep an eye on the injury updates as well, both AD (right adductor strain) and LeBron (left ankle sprain) are questionable, which could change the whole balance of the game and probably why the odds are not yet available.
Stay up to date with bet365 for the odds.
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