The Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers resume their 2026 NBA playoffs first-round series in Tuesday’s Game 2 at the Crypto.com Arena. The first game went the Lakers’ way despite them missing their two leading scorers, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. The Rockets were also without their best scorer, Kevin Durant, but had the rest of their key rotation players available.
While Doncic and Reaves remain out, Durant remains iffy to suit up as he deals with a lingering knee injury. It will be interesting to see how Houston responds if the 37-year-old former MVP remains sidelined.
Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers Game 2 Details
The Rockets-Lakers Game 2 will be televised live by NBC Sports nationwide. Peacock and NBA League Pass will stream the contest online at 10:30 p.m. ET.
Rockets vs. Lakers Game 2 Odds
Moneyline: Rockets -210, Lakers +170
Spread: Rockets -5 (-112), Lakers +5 (-108)
Total over/under: Rockets o207 (-112), Lakers u207 (-110)
Rockets vs. Lakers Game 2 Preview
The Houston Rockets looked lifeless on offense in Game 1 without Kevin Durant. Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson both didn’t have it going as they combined to score 36 points on 13 of 32 shots. Houston made a measly 37.6% of their field goals despite grabbing 21 offensive rebounds, which gave it several second-chance opportunities.
The Rockets will hope Kevin Durant returns, as that could swing the game in their favor. If he doesn’t, they will hope Sengun and Thompson show up and maximize on dominating a shorthanded Los Angeles team. The Rockets did well on other fronts, especially on defense at times, forcing 18 turnovers.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers were surgical offensively. Despite taking 27 fewer attempts, they made 40 shots, five more than the Rockets, finishing with a 60.6% shooting clip from the field. They also took only 19 3s but made 10. The Lakers ran their sets to perfection, which was key to their success.
They assisted on 29 of their 40 shots, with LeBron James leading the way. He had 13 assists. Marcus Smart added eight dimes. The key player for the Lakers was Luke Kennard, as he finished with a game-high 27 points on 9 of 13 shooting.
The Lakers weren’t perfect on defense, but they made efficient contests and forced the Rockets’ inefficient shooters to play outside the paint.
Rockets vs. Lakers Game 2 Injury Report
Rockets
Kevin Durant is questionable due to a right knee contusion. Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams are the only players ruled out.
Lakers
The Lakers are without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, who are out indefinitely.
Rockets vs. Lakers Starting Lineups
Rockets
PG – Reed Sheppard, SG – Amen Thompson, SF – Kevin Durant*, PF – Jabari Smith Jr., C – Alperen Sengun
Lakers
PG – Luke Kennard, SG – Marcus Smart, SF – Rui Hachimura, PF – LeBron James, C – Deandre Ayton
Rockets vs. Lakers Betting Tips
LeBron James is favored to score under 24.5 points and dish out under 9.5 assists.
Kevin Durant is favored to score over 23.5 points.
Reed Sheppard is favored to make over 2.5 3-pointers.
Rockets vs. Lakers Prediction
The Rockets remain the favorites to win Game 2 despite Game 1’s loss. They were the better team on paper entering this matchup against the Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves-less Lakers. A slightly better effort on offense can get Houston over the hump if it continues to play well in other areas, regardless of Kevin Durant’s presence. It could be close, but Houston could win by five points.
