Lakers look to secure series victory over the Rockets
Houston Rockets (52-30, fifth in the Western Conference) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (53-29, fourth in the Western Conference) Los Angeles; Wednesday, 10 p. m.
EDT LINE: Lakers -2. 5; over/under is 208. 5 WESTERN CONFERENCE FIRST ROUND: Lakers lead series 3-1 BOTTOM LINE: The Los Angeles Lakers look to clinch the Western Conference first round over the Houston Rockets in game five.
The Rockets defeated the Lakers 115-96 in the last meeting on Monday. Amen Thompson led the Rockets with 23 points, and Deandre Ayton led the Lakers with 19. The Lakers are 33-19 against Western Conference opponents.
Los Angeles averages 116. 3 points while outscoring opponents by 1. 7 points per game.
The Rockets are 29-23 in Western Conference play. Houston ranks second in the Western Conference scoring 53. 0 points per game in the paint led by Alperen Sengun averaging 17.