<p>The Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets have been among the best teams in the Western Conference this season.</p> <p>It’s not been that much of a surprise, as they both feature exceptional players in their squads, with both among the <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/basketball-us/nba-futures">betting favourites to be the next NBA Champions</a>. Now, they’ll both get to prove their credentials when they meet in Los Angeles.</p> <p>The two teams will face off on Friday, December 26, with the tip-off scheduled for 12:00 AEDT, as part of the NBA’s Christmas Day celebrations in the US.</p> <p>Which team will be enjoying this holiday a little more come the end of the game? Read on for our NBA betting tips for our expert Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets betting predictions…</p> <h2>Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets: Betting Preview</h2> <p>As highlighted, these two teams are among the best in the West at the moment, making this an intriguing betting proposition for bettors seeking value this Boxing Day.</p> <p>These two teams are yet to face each other in the current regular-season, so it is a good idea to take a look at previous meetings to see if we can identify a trend that occurs. Indeed, in the head-to-head, the Lakers appear to have the upper hand.</p> <p>Over the last 10 meetings, the Purple &amp; Gold are 6-4, having won the last two matches. Over the last five, the Lakers lead 3-2, though both teams have enjoyed a two-game win streak in that span. Results have included:</p> <ul> <li>Apr 2025: Lakers 140-109 Rockets</li> <li>Mar 2025: Lakers 104-98 Rockets</li> <li>Jan 2025: Rockets 119-115 Lakers</li> <li>Jan 2024: Rockets 135-119 Lakers</li> <li>Dec 2023: Lakers 107-97 Rockets</li> </ul> <p>Interestingly, the last seven H2H meetings have ended with the hosts winning. Will this happen again when they meet on Friday?</p> <h2>Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets: Betting Predictions</h2> <p>According to the <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/basketball-us/nba/houston-rockets-at-los-angeles-lakers-9614145">Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets betting odds</a> already available on Sportsbet for early-value seekers, this trend is expected to end with the <strong>Rockets as favourites</strong>.</p> <p>However, we’re <strong>predicting the Lakers will win</strong> and continue the pattern, making backing the hosts worthwhile. While the Rockets have been formidable on the road, the Lakers have a strong home record and should win.</p> <p>As an extension of this bet, we think backing the <strong>handicap</strong> of ‘<strong>Los Angeles Lakers (+3.5)</strong>’ provides value, as does the ‘<strong>Los Angeles Lakers 1 - 10</strong>’ bet in the ‘<strong>Big Win Little Win</strong>’ market.</p> <p>The Lakers could be missing key players like<strong> Luka Doncic, Rui Hachimura, and Austin Reaves</strong>, which is why the odds aren’t in their favour, but they may all still return in time. Still, <strong>LeBron James</strong> should be playing, helping to increase the value being offered.</p> <p><strong>Kevin Durant </strong>and <strong>Alperen Sengun</strong> will be looking to have positive games for the Rockets. We<strong> predict they will, and they will each score 20+ points</strong>.</p>