Lakers Edge Rockets in Close Contest
Monday, March 16, 2026, 9:30 PM ET · Toyota Center (Houston)
Los Angeles Lakers 100, Houston Rockets 92, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets?
Los Angeles Lakers beat Houston Rockets 100-92 at Toyota Center (Houston) on March 16, 2026.
Who was favored in Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets?
Los Angeles Lakers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -118 (about 54% implied). The favorite won.
The Los Angeles Lakers secured a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets, finishing the game with a score of 100 to 92. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as it marked the third meeting of the season between these two teams, with the series now tied at 1-1. The Lakers entered the game with a strong away record of 43-25, while the Rockets held a respectable home record of 41-26.
In terms of recent form, the Rockets have shown some inconsistency, going 6-4 in their last ten games, with an average of 112.1 points scored and 113.0 points allowed. They are currently on a one-game winning streak, having defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 107-105 in their last outing. Their home performance has been slightly better, with a record of 4-1 in their last five games. However, their last five games have seen them average 107.8 points while allowing 115.4 points.
On the other hand, the Lakers have been in excellent form, boasting an 8-2 record in their last ten games and a five-game winning streak. They have averaged 121.7 points scored and allowed 111.4 points during this stretch. Their away performance has been less impressive, with a record of 1-2 in their last three games, but they have been dominant at home with a perfect 7-0 record in their last seven matches.
In their previous meetings this season, the Lakers won decisively on December 26, 2025, with a score of 119-96, while the Rockets had previously triumphed in a close contest on January 6, 2025, winning 119-115. The head-to-head record now stands at 2-2 over the last two seasons, indicating a competitive rivalry between the two teams.
In terms of injuries, the Rockets faced challenges with key players Kevin Durant, Fred VanVleet, and Steven Adams all listed as day-to-day due to various ailments, including ankle and knee issues. This uncertainty regarding player availability could have influenced their performance in this critical game.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Lakers as slight favorites with a spread of 1.5 points. The total points line was set at 223.5, reflecting expectations of a competitive scoring environment. The odds for the Lakers to win outright were -118, while the Rockets were at -102.
The game took place at the Toyota Center in Houston, where the conditions were favorable for both teams. As the match progressed, key scoring plays highlighted the Lakers' ability to maintain their lead in the fourth quarter. Luka Doncic made a crucial two-point shot, followed by Amen Thompson converting free throws, which kept the Rockets in contention. However, Marcus Smart's three-pointer and subsequent plays by Deandre Ayton and LeBron James helped the Lakers pull away.
Overall, the game showcased the Lakers' resilience and ability to perform under pressure, while the Rockets will need to address their injury concerns and find more consistency as they move forward in the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | LAL -1.5 | 223.5 o -108 / u -112 | Los Angeles Lakers -118 · Houston Rockets -102 |
Injury report
- Kevin DurantDay-To-DayAnkleHouston Rockets
- Fred VanVleetDay-To-DayKneeHouston Rockets
- Steven AdamsDay-To-DayAnkleHouston Rockets
Leaders
- PointsJabari Smith Jr.22Houston Rockets
- AssistsAmen Thompson5Houston Rockets
- ReboundsAmen Thompson12Houston Rockets
- PointsLuka Doncic36Los Angeles Lakers
- AssistsLeBron James5Los Angeles Lakers
- ReboundsDeandre Ayton11Los Angeles Lakers
Recent form
Houston Rockets
Last 10: 6-4Streak W1112.1 scored · 113 allowed per game4-1 at home
- W107-105vs New Orleans PelicansMar 14
- L93-129at Denver NuggetsMar 12
- W113-99vs Toronto RaptorsMar 11
- L120-145at San Antonio SpursMar 9
- W106-99vs Portland Trail BlazersMar 7
- L113-115vs Golden State WarriorsMar 6
- W123-118at Washington WizardsMar 3
- L105-115at Miami HeatFeb 28
- W113-108at Orlando MagicFeb 27
- W128-97vs Sacramento KingsFeb 26
Los Angeles Lakers
Last 10: 8-2Streak W5121.7 scored · 111.4 allowed per game1-2 away
- W127-125vs Denver NuggetsMar 15
- W142-130vs Chicago BullsMar 13
- W120-106vs Minnesota TimberwolvesMar 11
- W110-97vs New York KnicksMar 8
- W128-117vs Indiana PacersMar 7
- L113-120at Denver NuggetsMar 6
- W110-101vs New Orleans PelicansMar 4
- W128-104vs Sacramento KingsMar 2
- W129-101at Golden State WarriorsMar 1
- L110-113at Phoenix SunsFeb 27
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LA Lakers | - | 29 | W3 | .646 | 53 |
| Phoenix | 8 | 37 | W1 | .549 | 45 |
| LA Clippers | 11 | 40 | W1 | .512 | 42 |
| Golden State | 16 | 45 | L3 | .451 | 37 |
| Sacramento | 31 | 60 | L1 | .268 | 22 |
| San Antonio | - | 20 | L1 | .756 | 62 |
| Houston | 10 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| New Orleans | 36 | 56 | L2 | .317 | 26 |
| Dallas | 36 | 56 | W1 | .317 | 26 |
| Memphis | 37 | 57 | L8 | .305 | 25 |
Box score
| Stat | Los Angeles Lakers | Houston Rockets |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 37-84 | 38-79 |
| Field goal % | 44 | 48 |
| Three-pointers | 8-34 | 5-26 |
| Three-point % | 24 | 19 |
| Free throws | 18-22 | 11-15 |
| Free throw % | 82 | 73 |
| Rebounds | 32 | 44 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 15 |
| Defensive rebounds | 20 | 29 |
| Assists | 17 | 21 |
| Steals | 14 | 9 |
| Blocks | 2 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 22 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 2 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Points off turnovers | 14 | 21 |
| Fast-break points | 16 | 4 |
| Points in the paint | 48 | 56 |
| Fouls | 18 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 10 | 10 |
| Lead changes | 13 | 13 |
| Time in front | 51 | 39 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter57-67Clint Capela makes 5-foot two point shot (Kevin Durant assists)
- 3rd Quarter58-67Deandre Ayton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter61-67LeBron James makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 3rd Quarter61-69Tari Eason makes 1-foot layup (Amen Thompson assists)
- 3rd Quarter61-70Tari Eason makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter63-70Luka Doncic makes 16-foot step back jumpshot
- 3rd Quarter65-70Luka Doncic makes running layup (LeBron James assists)
- 3rd Quarter66-70Luka Doncic makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter66-72Tari Eason makes 12-foot step back jumpshot (Reed Sheppard assists)
- 3rd Quarter67-72Austin Reaves makes free throw flagrant 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter68-72Austin Reaves makes free throw flagrant 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter70-72LeBron James makes 2-foot layup (Luka Doncic assists)
- 3rd Quarter72-72Rui Hachimura makes 16-foot jumper (Luke Kennard assists)
- 3rd Quarter73-72LeBron James makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter73-74Reed Sheppard makes 2-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter75-74Austin Reaves makes 8-foot fade away jump shot (LeBron James assists)
- 3rd Quarter76-74Austin Reaves makes technical free throw
- 3rd Quarter77-74Jake LaRavia makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter80-74Luka Doncic makes 24-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 3rd Quarter80-76Amen Thompson makes 3-foot alley oop dunk (Reed Sheppard assists)
- 3rd Quarter80-78Reed Sheppard makes 2-foot running dunk
- 3rd Quarter83-78Luka Doncic makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 3rd Quarter83-79Jabari Smith Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter83-80Jabari Smith Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter85-80LeBron James makes 2-foot dunk (Austin Reaves assists)
- 4th Quarter85-81Amen Thompson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter85-83Reed Sheppard makes 17-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter85-85Jabari Smith Jr. makes 3-foot dunk (Dorian Finney-Smith assists)
- 4th Quarter85-88Jabari Smith Jr. makes 26-foot three point jumper (Dorian Finney-Smith assists)
- 4th Quarter86-88LeBron James makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter87-88LeBron James makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter89-88Deandre Ayton makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter91-88Luka Doncic makes 6-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter91-89Amen Thompson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter91-90Amen Thompson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter94-90Marcus Smart makes 23-foot three point jumper (LeBron James assists)
- 4th Quarter96-90Deandre Ayton makes dunk
- 4th Quarter98-90Deandre Ayton makes 5-foot two point shot (Marcus Smart assists)
- 4th Quarter100-90LeBron James makes 2-foot running dunk (Austin Reaves assists)
- 4th Quarter100-92Kevin Durant makes driving layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Houston Rockets, below favours Los Angeles Lakers.
Venue
- Toyota Center (Houston)Houston, TX
- Attendance18055
- OfficialsJames Williams, Jason Goldenberg, Ray Acosta
Elsewhere
- 2026 NBA free agency: Grades for offseason signings, extensions
- Stephen A. rips NBA for not giving Kawhi a more severe punishment
- 2026 NBA buzz: Latest free agency and trade updates
- Sources: Rockets' Amen Thompson agrees to 5-year, $208M extension
- 'The Hoop Collective': Episodes of Brian Windhorst's NBA podcast
- Windhorst: Kawhi is an 'unmitigated winner' following NBA's punishments
Picks for NBA
NBA rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Lakers Defeat Rockets 98-78 in Playoff MatchupMay 1, 2026
- Rockets Secure Victory Over Lakers in Close ContestApr 29, 2026
- Rockets Dominate Lakers in Playoff ShowdownApr 26, 2026
- Lakers Edge Rockets in Overtime ThrillerApr 24, 2026
- Lakers Edge Rockets in Tight Playoff BattleApr 21, 2026