NBA Playoff Betting – Rockets on the ropes as Lakers aim for knockout in Game 6
Online sports betting handicappers were a little surprised when the Houston Rockets convincingly won Game 4 without their All-Star center Yao Ming in the lineup, but after the Los Angeles Lakers returned the favor with a 40-point beatdown in Game 5, everything has returned to normal. Odds makers and handicappers making their NBA picks know that if the Lakers feel like winning, the Rockets won’t have much say in the matter.
NBA picks: Lakers -7.5 favorite in Game 6
- Rockets simply don’t have the firepower to compete if Lakers are focused on winning
- Rockets lack depth, bench scoring
- Lakers finally finding their rhythm
The odds for the series now heavily favor the Lakers, since people making their NBA picks know that without Yao, the Rockets are on their last legs. According to NBA picks and the betting lines, the series will be over in Game 6, but even if the Rockets somehow survive, they won’t have much of a shot in Game 7. Throughout this series, when the Lakers have been focused, inspired and on the ball, the Rockets haven’t been able to contend. The Lakers have a dynamic starting lineup backed up by a deep bench of weapons and the Rockets simply do not. Pundits making their NBA picks were just waiting for the Lakers to finally wake up.
This series has really been a contrast of two styles: the Lakers offense versus the Rockets defense. As the series has worn on, the Rockets defense has crumbled and the Lakers have begun to dictate the pace. In fairness, the Rockets are playing without Yao, and although his 20 points per game are sorely missed, his defensive presence is the bigger loss.
The Lakers scored 118 points in Game 5, but what’s interesting is that only 18 of those points were from three-pointers. Sportsbook odds makers took notice that the Lakers had plenty of layups and easy jumpers from the outside whenever they penetrated. Before, the Rockets could funnel any penetration into their 7’5” center. Also, they could leave him matched up with Pau Gasol one-on-one. Now, the Rockets are forced to double-team Gasol and whenever there is penetration, they are forced to send help. Experts making their NBA picks know that this type of defense won’t work against a multi-faceted team like the Lakers.
Another Rockets injury that hasn’t been as widely noticed was the loss of center Dikembe Mutombo, who is also out for the playoffs. Rockets vs Lakers odds makers have the Lakers favored by so much now because the Rockets currently have no more depth at the position. In Game 5, Luis Scola and Chuck Hayes spent time guarding Gasol and Andrew Bynum. If you’re wondering how that turned out, Bynum and Gasol finished with 30 points, 19 rebounds and three blocks on 10-of-15 shooting.
If you’re making NBA picks going forward, as the series extends, it becomes more and more evident that the Rockets simply don’t have the depth to match up. The Lakers bench outscored the Rockets bench 47-32, and that looks better than it actually was because the Rockets played most of the second half while the Lakers were in control.
The Lakers are finally finding their rhythm. Gasol is on, Kobe Bryant is no longer bothered by either Shane Battier or Ron Artest, and even Andrew Bynum has woken up. Bettors making their NBA picks know that with the Lakers clicking, there isn’t much the Rockets can do to stop them. With the Rockets on the ropes, bet on the Lakers to get the knockout in Game 6.
Craig Parsons' Pick: Lakers -7.5
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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.
