Lakers vs. Rockets Prop Picks for Game 6

NBA Basketball Props Betting

Looking at some props for Game 6 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 LEADING AFTER 1ST QTR WINS GAME

Yes -200

No +160

I can honestly visualize the Lakers can be deadly. It wouldn't be completely unrealistic to think Houston could be leading after the end of the first quarter, then get worn down by the deeper team as the game progresses.

JAY'S PLAY: NO (+160) **

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FIRST TO SCORE 10 POINTS

Lakers -155

Rockets +125

This kind of relates to the proposition above. Considering that this is a home game for the Rockets, and that they are desperate to avoid elimination, I would not expect them to come out any other way but intense, regardless of the kind of personnel they have in the game. The crowd will be pumped up, because they could be seeing their last game of the year. In a circumstance like this, I don't see any value in laying this kind of number with the Lakers.

JAY'S PLAY: ROCKETS (+125) **

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TOTAL 3 PT SHOTS MADE IN THE GAME

Over 14½ 3 Pt Shots -115

Under 14½ 3 Pt Shots -115

So far, this is the way the three-pointers have been produced in the series:

GAME 1: Lakers 2, Rockets 5, Total = 7

GAME 2: Lakers 6, Rockets 9, Total = 15

GAME 3: Lakers 11, Rockets 6, Total = 17

GAME 4: Lakers 8, Rockets 10, Total = 18

GAME 5: Lakers 6, Rockets 5, Total = 11

That's an average of 13.6 per game thus far, and the average since Yao has been out of the lineup is 14.5. Clearly the philosophy behind Houston's offensive strategy has shifted. Without the offense they are used to getting out of the pivot, they have to shoot more threes. According to Shane Battier, “We have to take more 3s. We have to make more 3s. We have to sharpen up our game. Our margin for error is very slim.”

In the last two games, Houston has attempted 58 shots from beyond the arc. They have made only 15 of them, or 26%. If you look at the Rockets' season statistics, you'll see that two of the top five three-points shooters - Tracy McGrady and Rafer Alston - are gone. However, the one thing you know is that they are going to keep hoisting them up. They really have very little choice. If more go in, we're moving past this total.

JAY'S PLAY: OVER 14.5 (-115) **

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LUIS SCOLA TOTAL POINTS AND REBOUNDS

Over 24½ Points+Rebounds -120

Under 24½ Points+Rebounds -110

Scola has not shot well in this series; after a field goal percentage of 53.1% during the regular season, he has hit only 40% of his shots in this series against the Lakers, and that doesn't appear to be an accident, as he has been under 50% for each game. Without Yao Ming in the lineup he has pumped up the rebounding numbers, with 14 and 13 in the last two games, but has scored between 10 and 12 points in each contest. He's going to have to continue to rebound well, and supply the inside offense that would bring balance to an offense that is going to be perimeter-oriented. With the front line thinner, I can't see his playing time diminishing; in fact, I see it increasing.

JAY'S PLAY: OVER 24.5 (-120) *