The Los Angeles Lakers moved ahead in the series with a 112-102 win in Game 3. Laker Nation is all smiles again, but they should know how up-and-down the Lakers have been in the bubble.

Catch Game 4 on Thursday, September 10 at 6:40 AM, Manila time.

HOME TEAM: #4 Houston Rockets (1-2)

The Rockets responded to Game 3’s must-win scenario by playing solid basketball…in the first 24 minutes of the game. After going to the break with 64 points on 56.8% shooting, they only scored 38 and shot 37.5% in the second half.

James Harden (32 PPG, 7 APG) and Russell Westbrook (21.3 PPG, 10 RPG, 5.3 APG) are both producing well in the series, but they need to turn it up another notch, and be more active in the crucial stages. Eric Gordon (19 PPG, 42.3 3FG%) will remain as the team’s third key scorer.

The microball Rockets are averaging 107.7 PPG in the series, and they’re proving their speed and quick-trigger style by logging in 16 threes and 9.3 steals per game.

ROAD TEAM: #1 Los Angeles Lakers (2-1)

The Lakers had an interesting showing in Game 3 as they showcased offense in the first half (61 points on 62.2 FG%) and clamping defense in the second. In the third and fourth quarters, Harden and Westbrook were held to 8-for-19 shooting and the rest of the Rockets to just 5-for-18.

LeBron James headlined the attack on both ends. He scored 29 of his 36 points in the first half, and turned into Dikembe Mutombo in the second as he swatted four shots. He’s averaging 28 points, 8.7 rebounds, 7.0 assists, 1.7 steals, and 2.7 blocks per game on 54.5% shooting in the series.

Anthony Davis is right there with him as he puts up a strong double-double of 28.3 points and 13.7 boards on a highly efficient 64.2% shooting.

“Playoff Rondo” is being thrown around a lot lately as Rajon Rondo’s ‘playoff mode’ was in full display in Game 3. He had 21 points, nine assists, and four three-pointers. We’ll see if he can keep it up.

The Lakers are scoring 108.7 PPG on 51.2% shooting in the series.

PREDICTION:

The Rockets have fallen apart in the fourth quarter for two straight games. It seems like they have trouble adjusting in crunch time, and are having problems getting easy buckets and drawing fouls when the Lakers start to slow them down.

The Lakers should take this one 110-105.