Lakers Rockets Game 5 Props - The Bets you should make

Looking at some props for Game 5 of the Western Conference semi-final series between the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets, which you can find at BetUS by clicking the "Show All Props" link under the game odds:

TEAM TO SCORE LAST

Rockets Ev

Lakers -130

I don't know if this is the one proposition among many that you want to bet, but be careful with your assumptions on this one. If it's a relatively tight game (eight points or less), then you have a situation where you can probably imagine the Lakers deserving the "favorite's" role here. However, in a "mop-up" situation, well, it could very well be the Rockets because the game is out of hand. This is a pick'em spot for me, so even money looks better.

JAY'S PLAY: HOUSTON (Even) *

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LARGEST LEAD IN THE GAME

Over 20 Points -135

Under 20 Points +105

In the Orlando-Boston series, you could at least make the case that either of the two teams could have a lead of 15 points (that's the number) at one time or another in the game. Heck, Orlando led by what, 28 points in Game 1? Here, you can't realistically think Houston could have a lead of 20 points or more. Will the Lakers be able to do it? Well, if there is any game they have a shot to grab a 20-point lead, this would be it. I like the Lakers in the game, and with a 12-point spread, that would dictate that I think they could have a lead that big, but I would not lay -135 on it.

JAY'S PLAY: UNDER 20 (+105) *

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PAU GASOL TOTAL POINTS

Over 22 Points -110

Under 22 Points -120

When they had Yao Ming in the lineup, that at least provided a proper impediment for opponents who wanted to do some work on the inside. That obviously made things more difficult for Gasol. When you look at his stat sheet, when he was facing off against smaller or less agile Utah defenders in the opening-round playoff series, he shot 50% or better in four of the five games. Against Houston, he was six of 14 in the first game, nine of 13 in the second, and four for 11 in Game 3, when Yao played almost 40 minutes and other people were picking up the offensive slack. In Game 4, Yao was not in the lineup, and since the aging Dikembe Mutombo is also out of action, the Rockets had to turn to Chuck Hayes, a tough guy but also someone who, at 6'6" and 240 pounds, doesn’t have a lot of height or even bulk to put on a guy like Gasol. In fact, a guy of those dimensions could actually be seen playing the backcourt on some teams, including his own (Ron Artest, for example).

Gasol went 11-for-17 in that game, and took 13 trips to the free throw line, as Hayes and others were at a loss to deal with him. He scored 30 points, and I cannot imagine the Lakers not making Gasol the major part of their game plan as they head into Game 5. I can see him scoring a lot of points, putting Hayes in foul trouble, and then what is Houston going to do? Carl Landry? James White? Shane Battier? Sorry guys, Hakeem Olajuwon is retired.