The Houston Rockets will continue their season by taking on the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night. It's time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Rockets-Lakers prediction and pick.

Neither of these teams have been very good to start 2021-22, but at least that was the expectation for the Rockets. The bar was on the floor for Houston as the season began, and the Rockets have done nothing to prove they deserve more respect. Head coach Steven Silas's squad has gone 1-5 to open the season, including a loss to the Lakers their last time out.

Los Angeles had significantly loftier expectations coming into this year, and they have fallen well short of the mark. A humiliating loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder punctuated a tough start. This is the perfect game to help turn things around, as the Rockets aren't an intimidating team in any way.

Here's how the bookmakers have set the Rockets-Lakers odds.

NBA Odds: Rockets-Lakers Odds

Houston Rockets: +10 (-110)

Los Angeles Lakers: -10 (-110)

Over: 219 (-108)

Under: 219 (-112)

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Why The Rockets Can Cover The Spread

Houston is obviously one of the least talented rosters in the league, but they've been surprisingly solid in certain situations against the spread. The Rockets are 3-1 ATS in games after a loss, and they're coming off a loss to Los Angeles in this one. They're also 2-1 against the spread as a road underdog, which is exactly what they are on Tuesday. It helps that the Lakers have been one of the worst teams in basketball in terms of covering, as they own a weak 2-5 record against the spread. All of these factors add up to point to a good chance of a Houston cover.

The Lakers enter this game with a lengthy injury report. Superstars Anthony Davis and LeBron James are both questionable for this contest along with center Dwight Howard. It's unlikely that both Davis and James miss this game, but it's certainly possible that one of them does. If either one of them do sit out, the Rockets are essentially a lock to cover a 10-point spread.

Why The Lakers Can Cover The Spread

The talent gap between these two teams can't be overlooked. Houston is in full rebuild mode while the Lakers are trying to contend for a championship. The chasm between these teams showed the last time they played, when Los Angeles clearly outplayed Houston on the way to a double-digit victory.

It's easy to see that happening again, partially because of the Rockets' abysmal defense. Houston has allowed every single opponent but two to reach triple digits on them, with one of their worst performances coming against the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are still finding their footing offensively. The Lakers have been electric on offense, so scoring 120 or more isn't out of the question in this one.

Despite their tough start to the year, it looks like Los Angeles is putting things together. They've won two straight games in dominant fashion, including an important win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. That win showed the Lakers' ability to cover against inferior teams. The Cavs have been covering machines this season, so it's an important win to take into account when considering a Lakers bet.

Final Rockets-Lakers Prediction & Pick

This is a fairly simple pick. The Lakers have been horrendous against the spread, and both of their star players are questionable here. Take Houston and the points.

FINAL ROCKETS-LAKERS PICK: Houston Rockets +10 (-110)