Is Luka Dončić Playing in Game 1? Latest Update on Lakers Star’s Injury Status for Rockets Playoff Series
With Luka Doncic nursing a hamstring injury, will he return for game 1 of the Lakers’ first round series against the Rockets?
Houston Rockets
Stephen A. Smith Issues Harsh Reality Check on Los Angeles Lakers Without Luka Doncic & Austin Reaves
Following devastating injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, the Lakers face a grim playoff forecast. Stephen A. Smith warns that LeBron James cannot overcome the deep Rockets roster on his own.
Did Kevin Durant Start Dancing During Rockets Game After Lakers Playoff Matchup Confirmation? Debunking Viral Tweet
The NBA is ready to get into the postseason, and in a video circulating on social media, Kevin Durant was seen dancing
Russell Westbrook Shares Career Decision After 18th NBA Season
After playing 64 games during his 18th NBA season, Russell Westbrook made his stance clear on his next move.
What do the cheapest Lakers vs. Rockets NBA playoffs tickets cost?
Game one tips off at the Crypto.com Arena on Saturday, April 18.
Lakers open as massive betting underdogs in playoff matchup with Rockets
The Rockets are big favorites to beat the Lakers in the teams' postseason opener, according to oddsmakers.
ClutchPoints’ 2025-26 NBA Power Rankings Week 25: Thunder reign supreme as regular season ends
The 2025-26 NBA season is officially over, and once again, the Oklahoma City Thunder sit at the very top of the power rankings, a spot they began the year in. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder will enter the playoffs as the defending champions with a very strong chance of going back-to-back, proving that their Game […] The post ClutchPoints’ 2025-26 NBA Power Rankings Week 25: Thunder reign supreme as regular season ends appeared first on ClutchPoints.
Stephen A. Smith makes brutal prediction about Lakers’ playoff chances
The NBA playoffs field is set, and LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers will face Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets in the first round. Unfortunately for LA, Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic are out with injuries, making the playoff path even more difficult. On Monday, ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith had a brutal … The post Stephen A. Smith makes brutal prediction about Lakers’ playoff chances appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.
NBA Teams To Get Lowest Luxury Tax Check Since Pandemic
Just seven teams wound up in the luxury tax.
Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Lakers Series Prediction, Head-to-Head, Schedule, Where to Watch And More | 2026 NBA Playoffs
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.
LeBron James Must Tap Into Legendary Version of Himself to Carry Los Angeles Lakers
Shannon Sharpe believes LeBron James needs to become the 2018 version of himself for the Los Angeles Lakers to beat the Houston Rockets
NBA releases first-round playoff schedule in first year of new media rights deal
The NBA playoffs begin Saturday, April 18, and for the first time in more than two decades, the postseason will air without TNT. The NBA released the Game 1 schedule for the first round on Sunday, with eight matchups spread across two days and three broadcast partners. Under the league’s new 11-year, $76 billion media…
Lakers Get Bad News For Playoff Series Vs Rockets Amid Luka Doncic Update
Despite a new Luka Doncic injury update, the Los Angeles Lakers have a tough task for the first-round playoff series vs the Houston Rockets. The post Lakers Get Bad News For Playoff Series Vs Rockets Amid Luka Doncic Update appeared first on Heavy Sports.
Former 76ers Coach Doc Rivers Makes Statement on Joel Embiid
Hours before the Milwaukee Bucks and the Philadelphia 76ers met for the final time during the 2025-2026 NBA season, the head coach, Doc Rivers, was asked about his former center, Joel Embiid. As a head coach with firsthand experience of dealing with the unfortunate concerns that have affected Embiid throughout his career, Rivers was once […] The post Former 76ers Coach Doc Rivers Makes Statement on Joel Embiid appeared first on Heavy Sports.
Watch Rockets’ Kevin Durant get absolutely hyped after fan drains $10k shot
The Houston Rockets have had a steady year, and they’ll be entering the playoffs as the No. 5 seed facing the Los Angeles Lakers. Kevin Durant has been the engine of the team this season, and they’ll be looking upon him to lead them through the playoffs. For the most part, Durant is an even-keel […] The post Watch Rockets’ Kevin Durant get absolutely hyped after fan drains $10k shot appeared first on ClutchPoints.
Ime Udoka Makes Feelings Clear on Rockets Facing ‘Injured’ Lakers in Round 1 of NBA Playoffs
Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka warns his team will have their hands full against the injured Los Angeles Lakers in the first round.
“KD Gets to Play LeBron While He’s Alone Again”: Lakers Fans React to LeBron James Being Underdog Against Kevin Durant For 3rd Time in Playoffs
LeBron James and Kevin Durant meet in the 2026 NBA Playoffs first round, with the Lakers facing the Rockets on April 18.
Complete Game 1 schedules for first round of 2026 NBA Playoffs
After another grueling schedule, only a few teams remain to battle for the much-coveted Larry O’Brien Trophy. The 2026 NBA Playoffs are not lacking in compelling storylines and interesting matchups, and it would be a shame to miss any of them. The Oklahoma City Thunder will headline the postseason as they look to defend their […] The post Complete Game 1 schedules for first round of 2026 NBA Playoffs appeared first on ClutchPoints.
Deandre Ayton Left Stunned After Reporter Spoils Playoff Matchup Surprise Mid-Interview
Deandre Ayton reacts in disbelief after a reporter reveals the Lakers’ first-round playoff clash with the Houston Rockets mid-interview, admitting he had no idea about the announced matchup.
Clint Capela had a great story about a career first against the Grizzlies
Clint Capela has been in the NBA since 2014, but it wasn’t until Sunday that he finally made a shot from behind the arc. With the Rockets resting Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson, Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr., Capela got a lot of playing time against the Memphis Grizzlies at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. … The post Clint Capela had a great story about a career first against the Grizzlies appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.
Kevin Durant’s Ex-Teammate Sends Strong Warning to Rockets Superstar Ahead of Playoff Series vs. LeBron James’ Lakers
Kendrick Perkins delivers a blunt message to Kevin Durant about taking on 41-year-old LeBron James and the depleted Lakers.
Lakers’ Marcus Smart gets 100% real about facing Kevin Durant in the playoffs
The Los Angeles Lakers enter the 2026 NBA playoffs after finishing the regular season 53-29, securing the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference with a 131-107 win over the Utah Jazz on Sunday night. That result locked in a first-round matchup against the Houston Rockets. Although the Lakers won the season series 2-1 against […] The post Lakers’ Marcus Smart gets 100% real about facing Kevin Durant in the playoffs appeared first on ClutchPoints.
JJ Redick Makes Feelings Clear on Lakers Drawing Rockets in First-Round Without Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves
JJ Redick vows the LA Lakers will fight and try to win their playoff series against the Houston Rockets despite missing Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic.
Major Update on Luka Doncic Status for Lakers-Rockets Playoff Series
Luka Doncic is not expected to be ready for Game 1 of the Lakers versus Rockets playoff series that begins on Saturday. The post Major Update on Luka Doncic Status for Lakers-Rockets Playoff Series appeared first on Heavy Sports.