9 PM NBA: Los Angeles Lakers versus Houston Rockets! The Los Angeles Lakers enter this Christmas Day showdown on a two-game losing streak, desperately needing a win to halt their slide. In their previous game, the Lakers suffered a heavy 108-132 defeat against the Phoenix Suns, with their defence proving porous and allowing the opposition to shoot at nearly sixty percent accuracy. The Houston Rockets are concluding a challenging six-game road trip, having lost four of their last five games. They were recently beaten 108-128 by the Los Angeles Clippers, who sunk 20 three-pointers against them. The Rockets are also struggling, with four losses in their past five games, including consecutive defeats to teams like the Pelicans, Kings, and Clippers. Their recent 20-point loss to the Clippers highlights their current form. This Christmas Day clash is undoubtedly a key Western Conference battle, a test of a team's mettle. The high-scoring Rockets travel to face a Lakers team that may welcome back their star player but are generally unstable. The game is expected to be highly competitive from the start. The Rockets have recently suffered two consecutive losses, and have exposed a weakness: eight of their nine defeats this season have come in crucial final moments, including a 1-4 record in overtime. Moreover, all five of their December losses have occurred on the road, indicating a struggle away from home. In contrast, the Lakers, recently ending a winning streak against the Clippers, are eager for a rebound. Their problem lies in their rhythm; their defensive system is vulnerable when the opposition plays a fast-paced game. Recommendation: Over 232!