Irrespective of the place they’re enjoying, LeBron James and Kevin Durant appear to search out their manner again to at least one one other on Christmas Day. They performed one another on Christmas as members of the Warmth and Thunder. They did so once more when James moved to the Cavaliers and Durant joined the Warriors. When James flew West for Hollywood, he confronted Durant’s Warriors in yet one more vacation showdown. Had been it not for an harm, Durant would have joined his Nets towards the Lakers in 2021. Now, we’re right here once more. The Lakers and Rockets characterize the fifth distinctive matchup of their groups on Christmas Day.
Effectively… “their” groups is not fairly the descriptor it was once. Whereas James and Durant are nonetheless stars, they’re now supported however youthful marquee gamers. This is not simply James vs. Durant. It is Luka Dončić vs. Alperen Sengun. It is Austin Reaves vs. Amen Thompson. It is two of the Western Convention elite slugging it out with main playoff standing implications at stake.
So let’s put together for top-of-the-line video games on the Christmas slate with some finest bets. Under are our picks towards the unfold and for the sport’s finest prop wager.
Daring predictions for every NBA Christmas Day sport: Thunder-Spurs pressure, a Curry flurry and extra
Jack Maloney
Rockets at Lakers: The place to observe
- Time: 8 p.m. ET | Date: Thursday, Dec. 25
- Location: Crypto.com Enviornment — Los Angeles
- TV channel: ABC/ESPN | Reside stream: fubo (Attempt totally free)
- Odds: Rockets -3, O/U: 230.5 (through Caesars Sportsbook)
Rockets at Lakers: Prediction, odds, finest bets
The Lakers are very banged up proper now. Luka Dončić missed Tuesday’s sport. DeAndre Ayton simply got here again from a short harm absence. So did Austin Reaves, and LeBron James is almost 41, so it is secure to imagine he is by no means fairly at 100% anymore. That is precisely the place you do not wish to be heading right into a matchup towards the ultra-physical Rockets. The Lakers have had hassle with greater, athletic groups all season. That is their weak spot. Till they show that they’ll overcome it, I am anticipating the Rockets to bully them on this one. The Choose: Rockets -3
The Lakers have holes throughout their protection, however nowhere is it extra evident than within the backcourt. They’re extremely susceptible towards smaller, quick guards, and solely the Clippers and Jazz are permitting a better 3-point share on above-the-break 3s. In different phrases, I am anticipating the Lakers to construct their game-plan round stopping the Rockets within the paint, and within the course of Reed Sheppard may have a subject day from deep. The Choose: Reed Sheppard Over 2.5 3s
