Lakers vs Rockets odds - Kobe ready to end L.A.'s struggles

If you’re an NBA betting fan, you’ve probably been burned by the Lakers recently. Los Angeles is struggling right now, especially on the road. Houston, on the other hand, is one of the hotter teams in sports betting after winning 11 of its last 13 games. Kobe Bryant was especially frustrated after L.A.’s last loss, and he could be primed for a scoring outburst on Wednesday.

Wednesday night NBA betting

• Kobe Bryant clearly fuming after recent slump
• Artest has picked up his play for Houston
• Aaron Brooks flourishing as new Rockets point guard

Lakers vs Rockets odds – Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. ET

The Lakers are in a bit of a rut, having dropped three of their last five games, the most recent a 111-94 loss to Portland on Monday. Kobe Bryant, who scored 26, was not impressed, and he left immediately after the game without speaking to reporters. That makes it three consecutive looses for L.A. on the road, which is bad news for their Lakers vs Rockets odds.

Part of the problem has been the play of Lamar Odom, who has struggled mightily, picking up 12 fouls and just eight total points in his last three games. This comes after averaging over 16 points per outing (and over 13 boards) throughout February.

Houston, meanwhile, has been a revelation. The Rockets have won 11 of their last 13 games, including three straight. That run includes wins over Dallas, Cleveland, Phoenix and in Denver—no, not of the Lakers’ caliber, but some solid teams nonetheless. Obviously, the news of Tracy McGrady being shut down for the season hasn’t bothered Houston one bit.

Resident mad man Ron Artest has been a key cog for Houston, especially lately. Artest is averaging 21.0 points per game in his last nine contests, with another 5.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals thrown in for good measure.

Some criticized the Rockets for moving Rafter Alston at the trade deadline, but Aaron Brooks has been steady-to-wonderful as his replacement. In 10 games since taking over the reins at the point, Brooks has put up 13.3 points and 5.4 assists per game. No, he’s not Chris Paul, but Houston certainly isn’t complaining.

The Lakers have won both contests against Houston this year, with one of those victories coming on Houston’s home court. They’ve certainly lost their road mojo as of late, however. There’s no doubting Los Angeles is the better squad, but you have to at least contemplate the hot team on Lakers vs Rockets odds. Still, if you regularly bet sports, you’re probably aware it’s about time for a “Kobe explosion”—after refusing to talk to the media on Monday night, Bryant will likely do his talking on the court. Expect Kobe to shoulder the load and bet on the Lakers to snap their road skid.

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Craig Parsons is an avid sports fan, but his true love has always been basketball. Too short to realize his dream of playing in the NBA, he did the next best thing: sports betting and covering basketball for a living. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.