The Los Angeles Lakers are poised to complete a sweep against the Houston Rockets in Game 4 of their first-round series in the 2026 NBA playoffs on Sunday. After a thrilling 112-108 overtime victory in Game 3, the Lakers hold a commanding 3-0 series lead. Historically, no team has ever recovered from such a deficit in the NBA postseason.

Houston (52-30) hopes to welcome back Kevin Durant, who has been sidelined due to an ankle injury, while Luka Doncic remains out for L.A. due to a hamstring issue. Additionally, Austin Reaves is listed as questionable with an oblique injury.

The game is set to tip off at 9:30 p.m. ET at the Toyota Center in Houston, where the Lakers have won their last seven playoff games against the Rockets.

Betting Odds

• Rockets -4.5 at FanDuel Sportsbook
• Over/Under: 207.5 points
• Money Line: Rockets -187, Lakers +156

The SportsLine Projection Model has simulated the matchup 10,000 times, delivering profitable insights for bettors. With a 73% success rate on top-rated NBA spread picks this season, the model indicates a strong likelihood of the game going over the total points as the Over has hit in 4 of the last 5 matchups in Houston.

In its simulations, the model predicts that both teams will showcase their depth, with six players from each team scoring in double figures, leading to a combined total of 215 points. The Over hits 60.9% of the time, making it an appealing option for parlay betting.

For detailed picks and predictions, the SportsLine model continues to provide valuable insights as the playoffs progress.