Crystal Pouncey
Jan 30, 2024 - 08:05

Lakers vs Rockets Preview: Final Regular Season Matchup with Houston

The Los Angeles Lakers take on the Houston Rockets in a crucial game as they continue their road trip. LeBron and Davis are questionable.

The Los Angeles Lakers are in the midst of a six-game road trip, with their next stop being in Houston to face off against the Rockets for the final time this regular season.

Having spent most of January playing at Crypto.com Arena, the Lakers are now looking to find some consistency on the road. They kicked off their trip with an exciting double overtime victory against the Golden State Warriors on Saturday.

This upcoming game marks the fourth and final meeting between the Lakers and the Rockets, with the Lakers currently leading the season series 2-1. The Rockets have had a tough stretch, going 3-7 in their last 10 games and suffering disappointing losses to teams like the Portland Trail Blazers and Brooklyn Nets.

There were concerns about the availability of LeBron James and Anthony Davis for this game, as they were listed as questionable. However, despite the heavy minutes they played on Saturday, both players are expected to take the court in Houston.

The Lakers will be without Gabe Vincent and Cam Reddish, with Vincent recovering from knee surgery and Reddish sidelined for two weeks due to a right ankle sprain.

In their last matchup on Dec. 12, the Lakers emerged victorious with a 107-97 win, led by a strong performance from Anthony Davis. The Rockets, on the other hand, saw standout performances from Fred VanVleet and Alperen Sengun.

Sengun has been a force for the Rockets, leading the team in scoring and rebounds, while VanVleet has been the main playmaker. Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and Jabari Smith Jr. have also been key contributors for the Rockets.

The Rockets have been strong at home, boasting a 16-8 record at the Toyota Center, and are expected to bring their A-game against the Lakers. Both head coaches, Ime Udoka and Darvin Ham, prioritize team defense, so getting consistent stops will be crucial in this matchup.

Key reserves for the Lakers include Jarred Vanderbilt, Rui Hachimura, Christian Wood, and Max Christie, while the Rockets will look to players like Jeff Green, Cam Whitmore, Aaron Holiday, and Amen Thompson to make an impact off the bench.