Rockets-Lakers Lines Preview

The Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers will both be trying to pick up a win on Monday when they battle at STAPLES Center in the opening game of their second-round playoff series. Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total. The Rockets advanced to the conference semifinals with a 92-74 victory over the Trail Blazers in Game 6 of the first round last time out. The Rockets covered the 5.5-point spread, while the 166 points fell UNDER the posted total of 179. Ron Artest netted a game-high 27 points for the Rockets, and Yao Ming added 17 in that win. Kobe Bryant dropped 31 points to lead the Lakers past the Jazz 106-97 to win their conference quarterfinal series 4-1 last time out. Los Angeles couldn't cover as 12.5-point home favorites as the teams played UNDER the 211-point total listed by oddsmakers. Team records: Houston: 53-29 SU, 40-41-1 ATS Los Angeles: 65-17 SU, 42-39-1 ATS Houston most recently: When playing on Monday are 5-5 Before playing LA Lakers are 7-3 After playing Portland are 8-2 After a win are 5-5 Los Angeles most recently: When playing on Monday are 8-2 Before playing Houston are 4-6 After playing Utah are 9-1 After a win are 8-2 A few trends to consider: The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games Houston is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 6 games on the road The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Houston's last 15 games on the road LA Lakers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games at home LA Lakers are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games LA Lakers are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games when playing Houston LA Lakers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing Houston Next up: Houston at LA Lakers, Wednesday, May 6 LA Lakers home to Houston, Wednesday, May 6