- Matchup: Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets
- Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
- Venue: Toyota Center, Houston, TX
- Broadcast: ESPN
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The Houston Rockets (41-26) are set to host the Los Angeles Lakers (43-25) on Wednesday at the Toyota Center.
In their previous encounter, the Lakers faced the Rockets and secured a victory with a score of 100-92. Both teams committed 18 fouls during the match. The Lakers struggled from long-range, hitting 5 of 26 attempts. The Rockets managed 73.3% from the free-throw line, successful on 11 of 15 attempts. Houston dominated the boards with 44 rebounds (15 offensive, 29 defensive) and recorded 2 blocks, alongside 21 assists and 9 steals. Defensively, Los Angeles allowed opponents to shoot 48.1% from the field, permitting 38 out of 79 attempts. The Lakers achieved 17 assists and forced 24 turnovers while earning 14 steals. On the rebounding front, they collected 32 total rebounds, including 12 offensive boards, and converted 18 of their 22 free throws (81.8%). Los Angeles finished with a 44.0% shooting accuracy (37 of 84), and made 8 of 34 three-point shots.
Luka Doncic made a significant contribution for the Lakers, scoring 36 points on 14 of 27 shooting. Over 40 minutes of play, he also secured 6 rebounds and dished out 4 assists while maintaining a shooting percentage of 51.9%.
This season, Los Angeles holds a record of 43-25. They average 14.5 turnovers per game while committing 18.7 fouls on average. The Lakers secure 40.9 rebounds per game and have accumulated 1,737 assists, placing them 19th in terms of ball movement. Their shooting from beyond the arc sits at 35.6% (822 out of 2,307) and they hit 76.8% from the charity stripe. The Lakers score an average of 116.3 points per game (11th in the NBA) and shoot 49.8% overall.
On the defensive side, Los Angeles forces 14.8 turnovers and draws 21.0 fouls. They rank 23rd in assists allowed with 1,871 so far this season. The Lakers’ defense is allowing a field goal percentage of 48.4% (2,890 of 5,972) and concede an average of 41.2 rebounds per game. They limit opponents to 35.6% shooting from three-point range and are ranked 14th in opponent points per game (114.9).
The last time these teams met, the Rockets fell to the Lakers, 100-92. Houston collected a total of 44 rebounds, comprising 29 defensive and 15 offensive. They committed 24 turnovers but managed to achieve 9 steals during the match. The Lakers’ 18 fouls allowed the Rockets 15 free-throw attempts, of which they converted 11 (73.3%). From beyond the arc, Houston made only 5 out of 26 shots (19.2%). Overall, they shot 38 of 79 from the field for a shooting percentage of 48.1%. Conversely, the Rockets permitted Los Angeles to convert 37 of 84 field goals (44.0%), while also attempting 34 three-pointers and making 8 (23.5%). They shot 18 out of 22 from the free-throw line (81.8%) and allowed 32 total rebounds to the Lakers (12 of them offensive).
Key performer Jabari Smith Jr. contributed 22 points in 40 minutes on the court, with no assists, shooting 9 of 17 (52.9%) and grabbing 8 rebounds.
The Rockets are currently 41-26 for the season. Their offense is shooting 47.4%, ranking 10th in the NBA. Houston has scored a total of 7,625 points this season (113.8 points per game) and averages 48.2 rebounds per contest. They distribute an average of 24.6 assists per game (27th in the league) and tally 15.7 turnovers per game. They commit 18.6 fouls on average and make 75.9% of free throw attempts.
On defense, the Rockets allow 35.1% shooting from three-point range (828 of 2,360) and their opponents hit 75.2% of their free throws. They permit an average of 24.5 assists and 39.6 rebounds per game, ranking 2nd and 1st in the NBA, respectively. Houston is third in points allowed per game with 109.8, forcing 13.4 turnovers and allowing opponents to shoot 45.8% from the field (7th in the league).
Who will take the win tonight against the spread?
Prediction: Pick Los Angeles
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