Rockets vs. Lakers prediction and odds for Monday, January 16 (Houston's slide continues)

The Houston Rockets travel to Los Angeles to face the Lakers on Monday night.

The Lakers lost a heart breaker to the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday night, Russell Westbrook missed a potential game winning shot in the final seconds, but now get to face the worst team in the league in the Rockets.

Houston is helpless at both ends of the floor and the Lakers are pushing for the play-in tournament behind LeBron James fine play, can they get a win and cover at home?

Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers odds, spread and total

Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers prediction and pick

It’s imperative that James suits up for this one on the second night of a back-to-back, but the assumption is that he will be a go for this one, and I expect the Lakers to cruise.

Houston has the worst defense in the league, allowing 119.5 points per 100 possessions according to NBA.com and it is even worse of late, allowing 123 points per 100 over the last two weeks. The team plays fast and sloppy and will struggle to contain James, who is averaging over 29 points per game this season.

The Lakers are also playing far better basketball lately, especially on the defensive side of the ball, seventh in points allowed per 100 possessions over the last two weeks spanning seven games.

I can’t trust this Rockets team to cover any spread, they haven’t cashed against the number in nine of their last 10 games, and with the Lakers recent play, I’m inclined to fade again.

Track all of Reed’s bets at Betstamp HERE!

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.