Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets Picks and Predictions March 31st 2025

Rockets Look to Keep Rolling vs. Lakers in Key Matchup

The Houston Rockets are red-hot and looking to keep their momentum going as they travel to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night. With 12 wins in their last 13 games, the Rockets (49-26) are playing their best basketball of the season and are looking to continue their torrid pace against one of the West’s top contenders. However, even with their sizzling streak, the Rockets are still not the hottest team in the NBA, as the Oklahoma City Thunder have won 16 of their past 17 games.

NBA Championship Contenders & Betting Odds! – Find out which teams have the best value.

Rockets’ Recent Dominance

On Sunday, the Rockets made a statement with an overwhelming 148-109 victory over the Phoenix Suns. Houston shot a blistering 57.1% from the field and an eye-popping 58.1% from 3-point range, dominating every aspect of the game. They outscored the Suns in every quarter, including a 46-point explosion in the second period, and held a massive 32-8 advantage in fast-break points. Houston also capitalized on 19 Phoenix turnovers, scoring 34 points off those mistakes.

With the win, the Rockets now sit comfortably in second place in the Western Conference, 2 games ahead of the third-place Denver Nuggets and 3.5 games ahead of the fourth-place Lakers.

A New Era for the Rockets Under Coach Ime Udoka

Houston’s turnaround has been a major success story after finishing with 55 or more losses for three consecutive seasons earlier this decade. Under coach Ime Udoka, the team has made major strides, including finishing .500 last season. Now, they’re on the verge of a 50-win campaign, something that once seemed out of reach for the young team.

“I saw the improvements that we made last year,” Udoka said after their blowout victory over Phoenix. “We got the compete-with-everybody part out of the way last year. Now it’s time to take another step and win these games against good teams.”

The Rockets are confident they can be even better moving forward, and their performance on Sunday was a testament to their growth. Led by fourth-year guard Jalen Green, who scored 33 points, Houston has been executing at a high level as the playoffs draw near.

“I’m excited about it,” Green said. “This is what I dreamed about and this is what I’ve wanted to do since I got here to Houston. Right now, it’s all about details, and I think we’re executing that.”

Rockets’ January Win Over Lakers Sets the Stage

This game against the Lakers marks the first of two meetings down the stretch, with Houston returning to Los Angeles on April 11. Earlier this season, the Rockets pulled off a close 119-115 victory over the Lakers in Houston, and they’ll be looking to repeat that success on Monday.

Lakers Struggling for Consistency

The Lakers (45-29) are coming off a much-needed 134-127 road victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday. Despite the win, Los Angeles has struggled with consistency in recent weeks, having won just five of their last 13 games. The team has been up and down, but the urgency is evident as the season winds down.

Guard Austin Reaves has been a key contributor for the Lakers, including his 31 points and eight assists in the win over Memphis. Reaves is averaging 24.2 points, 5.6 assists, and 5.3 rebounds in March, and he’s been a bright spot for the Lakers as they fight to stay in the top half of the Western Conference.

“I think this was a big game for us in the sense of how we lost the other night,” Reaves said after the win over Memphis. “We hadn’t been playing great. So, coming into this game, it was obviously high intensity. It’s hard, the last game on a road trip because you’re pretty excited to go home. But for those three hours or whatever the game is, you got to lock in and try to put your best foot forward and win.”

NBA Playoffs Edge

Get Exclusive Predictions

Get Free Trial

LeBron James and Luka Doncic Lead the Charge for the Lakers

LeBron James, who is dealing with a left groin strain, is listed as probable for Monday’s game. The Lakers will need their superstar to be at full strength as they look to secure a playoff spot. James had 25 points and 8 assists in their win over Memphis and has been pivotal for the Lakers all season. In addition, Luka Doncic continues to shine for Los Angeles with 29 points and 9 assists in their latest win.

The Lakers are currently just 2.5 games ahead of the seventh-place Minnesota Timberwolves in the race for a top-six playoff spot, with the Grizzlies and Warriors in between. Head coach JJ Redick knows how important it is for the Lakers to avoid the Play-In Tournament.

“I want to make the playoffs—I don’t want to be in the play-in,” Redick said. “Until that is secured, the seeding thought won’t cross my mind.”

Your Guide to Betting on the NBA MIP Award! – Make informed bets & maximize your returns.

The Importance of Monday’s Game for Both Teams

As the Rockets push for a top-two finish in the West, the Lakers are fighting to secure their spot in the top six and avoid the Play-In Tournament. Monday’s game represents an important matchup for both teams as the season winds down. Houston will be looking to continue its scorching form, while Los Angeles will aim to secure a crucial win at home to maintain its playoff positioning.

Houston’s young core, led by Green and emerging stars, is proving they are a force to be reckoned with in the West, while the Lakers are hoping that the return of James and the hot hand of Reaves can propel them to a strong finish. Both teams have a lot to play for in this high-stakes clash.

The Rockets’ incredible 12-1 run has them in prime position to make a deep playoff push, while the Lakers must find consistency to solidify their spot in the postseason. It’s sure to be an exciting showdown on Monday night!