The first round of the NBA playoff bracket is set, and a compelling matchup is already locked in. Following a busy slate of NBA season finale action on Sunday, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets both secured victories, officially clinching a first-round showdown against one another.
LA clinched fourth place after a 131-107 win over the Utah Jazz, finishing the season 53-29 in the Western Conference, while Houston finished fifth after a 132-101 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies to close out a 52-30 record.
Despite their strong campaigns, both teams face a challenging road ahead. The winner of this series will likely face a play-in battle involving LA Clippers/ Golden State Warriors and OKC Thunder, who are widely considered favorites for the championship. It’s a daunting road, but one both teams understand is part of the challenge in chasing NBA glory.
Houston Rockets vs LA Lakers Head-to-Head
The Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers have produced several memorable playoff series in history. They have met six times in the first round, twice in the conference semifinals and once in the conference finals.
This series marks the 10th postseason meeting between the conference rivals and their first playoff matchup since the Lakers eliminated Houston in the 2020 Western Conference semifinals. Overall, the teams have met 40 times in the postseason, with the Lakers holding a 24-16 edge. LA also leads the all-time regular-season series 152-91.
Houston Rockets vs LA Lakers Prediction
How the Rockets will win
Kevin Durant will determine how far the Rockets go in the series. He has been playing at an All-NBA level this season, averaging 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists, and he will need to maintain that form in the playoffs. Houston is surging at the right time, going 9-1 in their last 10 games, perfect timing for a team that saves its best for the playoffs.
How the Lakers will win
When you have LeBron James, you should never be counted out. Even though James had one of the worst statistical seasons of his career, he is still fueling the Lakers’ offense. LA also has home-court advantage in this series, which could come into play. The Lakers’ 28-13 home record matches up well against the Rockets’ 22-19 road record. Of course, regular-season numbers don’t always translate to the postseason, but LA should feel confident it can compete with Houston.
Prediction: Houston Rockets in six games
Let’s not bury the lede here. No Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves makes it very hard to pick the Lakers in this series. The Lakers are also under enormous pressure, having lost their first-round showdown in the last two seasons. Even without Doncic and Reaves, LA could still put up a valiant fight. But the Rockets have found ways to win even when they are not at their best, and they have been on a strong run lately. If that success continues, it could swing the series in Houston’s favor. It likely won’t be a sweep, but the Rockets should be able to send the Lakers home for the summer.
Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Lakers: Schedule and Where to Watch
Game 1 of the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers first-round series is scheduled for Sunday, April 18 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Here’s the full schedule, including location, time and broadcast information:
GAME 1: Houston Rockets at Lakers (Crypto.com Arena)
- Date: Saturday, April 18
- Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
- Broadcast: ABC, fubo
GAME 2: Rockets at Lakers (Crypto.com Arena)
- Date: TBD
- Time: TBD
- Broadcast: TBD
GAME 3: Lakers at Rockets (Toyota Center)
- Date: TBD
- Time: TBD
- Broadcast: TBD
GAME 4: Lakers at Rockets (Toyota Center)
- Date: TBD
- Time: TBD
- Broadcast: TBD
GAME 5: Rockets at Lakers (Crypto.com Arena)*
- Date: TBD
- Time: TBD
- Broadcast: TBD
GAME 6: Lakers at Rockets (Toyota Center)*
- Date: TBD
- Time: TBD
- Broadcast: TBD
GAME 7: Rockets at Lakers (Crypto.com Arena)*
- Date: TBD
- Time: TBD
- Broadcast: TBD
* if necessary
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