Rockets vs Lakers NBA Pick: Can Houston Snap LA’s Six-Game Win Streak? (Mar 18)

Published Mar 17, 3:11pm ET by

James Tillman - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer

Last updated Mar 17, 3:11pm ET

Pick status
The Rockets look to upend the Lakers when these teams clash on Wednesday night.

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  • The Rockets are 41-26 and sit in the No. 4 spot in the West.
  • Meanwhile, Los Angeles is 43-25 following a win over Houston on Monday night.
  • These teams previously met on Mar. 16, with the Lakers winning 100-92.

One of the games on Wednesday's NBA slate features the Houston Rockets hosting the Los Angeles Lakers. Who comes out on top in our Rockets vs Lakers pick?

Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers Overview Watch On: ESPN

DATE & TIME

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2026 @ 9:30PM ET
Houston Rockets
Toyota Center
Houston, TX
Los Angeles Lakers
GAME ODDS
BetOnline
Houston Rockets -108
Los Angeles Lakers +104

Rockets hope to avoid their third loss in four games

After a 113-99 win against the Raptors, Houston has dropped two of its last three games, including a 100-92 loss to the Lakers.

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The Rockets held a six-point advantage at the break. However, Los Angeles responded, outscoring the home team 49-35 in the second half, including a 32-23 edge in the third quarter.

Jabari Smith Jr. was one of three players who reached double figures for Houston. He finished with 22 points and eight rebounds. Kevin Durant added 18 points and five rebounds, but he also committed seven turnovers.

Los Angeles looks to sweep two-game set

On the other side, the win over Houston extended the Lakers' win streak to six games.

The biggest takeaway from the Los Angeles side of this contest was the second half. After outscoring Houston by nine in the third quarter, this group held the Rockets to just 12 points in the final frame. Furthermore, the Lakers forced 24 turnovers, which resulted in 21 points.

Luka Doncic paced the offense with 36 points, six rebounds, and four assists. He shot 14-of-27 from the field. LeBron James added 18 points, five rebounds, and five assists.

Rockets vs Lakers NBA Pick

Here's a look at what you need to know for both teams ahead of this contest.

  • The Rockets are 2-3 (SU) in their last five games.
  • Houston is 1-4 ATS in its previous five outings.
  • The Lakers are 5-0 (SU) in their last five contests.
  • Los Angeles is 5-0 ATS in its previous five matchups.

The Rockets have dropped 14 of the previous 20 meetings in this series, and Los Angeles is 12-4 against Southwest Division opponents.

Pick: Los Angeles Lakers

Pick
Los Angeles Lakers
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