The Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets continue their 2026 NBA playoffs first-round series on Friday at the Toyota Center. The Lakers are up 2-0 against all odds, despite missing stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, their two leading scorers. While the Rockets have had the upper hand in most areas, Los Angeles’ shotmaking remains unparalleled.
However, with homecourt advantage over the next two games, the Rockets will hope they can shoot the ball with confidence with their team’s supporters behind them.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets Game 3 Details
Prime Video will provide coverage of the Lakers-Rockets Game 3. NBA League Pass will also stream the contest online at 8:00 p.m. ET.
Lakers vs. Rockets Game 3 Odds
Moneyline: Lakers +265, Rockets -330
Spread: Lakers +8.5 (-110), Rockets -8.5 (-110)
Total over/under: Lakers o207 (-113), Rockets u207 (-110)
Lakers vs. Rockets Game 3 Preview
The Los Angeles Lakers have been executing their plans on both ends of the court to perfection through Games 1 and 2. Even with Kevin Durant returning in the last outing, Los Angeles remained on course and stuck to its game plan through 48 minutes. JJ Redick has outcoached Ime Udoka despite having an inferior roster and that will remain key.
Another factor has been the Lakers’ role players around LeBron James stepping up on different occasions. Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart have played out of their skins, while Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton have done just enough to make a difference. A lot will depend on how they perform offensively on the road in Game 3.
Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets have a lot to figure out, especially offensively. Udoka still hasn’t figured out a way to ease things for Kevin Durant, who now has 20 turnovers in his last three games against the Lakers after tallying nine in Game 2. Most of his issues came with the Lakers doubling him from the get-go.
The Rockets need to prepare better counters and help beaters to ensure Durant can get to his spots more freely. Every time he managed to do that, he scored on nearly all occasions, and that’s where the outcome could change. Aperen Sengun and Amen Thompson also must live up to their hype and make timely shots.
On the injury front, the Lakers have received a massive boost as Austin Reaves is questionable to make his comeback from an oblique strain. On the other hand, the Rockets have suffered another blow with Kevin Durant as he’s dealing with a new ankle injury and is questionable for the third straight game.
Lakers vs. Rockets Game 3 Betting Tips
LeBron James is favored to score over 23.5 points.
Kevin Durant is favored to score under 23.5 points.
Luke Kennard is favored to make under 2.5 3-pointers.
Lakers vs. Rockets Game 3 Starting Lineups
Lakers
PG – Luke Kennard, SG – Marcus Smart, SF – Rui Hachimura, PF – LeBron James, C – Deandre Ayton
Rockets
PG – Josh Okogie, SG – Amen Thompson, SF – Kevin Durant, PF – Jabari Smith Jr., C – Alperen Sengun
Lakers vs. Rockets Game 3 Prediction
Oddsmakers favor the Rockets to win by nine points in Game 3. Despite their struggles in the first two games, that’s a possibility. Homecourt advantage can influence their offensive performance, giving them an edge over the Lakers early in the game. If Houston gets off to a hot start, it could be a lopsided matchup.
