The Los Angeles Lakers‘ hot streak in March had them sitting in the Western Conference’s third seed for a while. However, the Denver Nuggets recently took advantage of LA’s struggles as injuries piled up.
After the Nuggets jumped the Lakers in the standings, they didn’t look back. With 11-straight wins, the Nuggets locked up the third seed on Sunday, April 12, during the league’s final slate of the regular season.
With that, the Lakers finished fourth. They are preparing for a first-round series against the Houston Rockets.
NBA Announces Key Details For Lakers-Rockets Game 1
GettyINDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 25: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 25, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Following the league’s loaded slate on Sunday night, the NBA announced all of the details for each Game 1 for the first round.
The Lakers and the Rockets will get the final game of the Saturday slate next weekend.
According to the NBA, the Lakers-Rockets Game 1 tips off at 8:30 PM ET on Saturday, April 18. The game will be broadcast on ABC.
Lakers vs Rockets History
GettySALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – NOVEMBER 23: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates a shot during the second half of a game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on November 23, 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
In 2025-2026, the Lakers and the Rockets faced each other three times.
In the first matchup on Christmas Day, the Rockets placed a major amount of pressure on the Lakers. A 119-96 victory for Houston had many fans and analysts questioning the true contender status of the Lakers.
Since then, the Lakers have silenced critics when facing Houston. The two teams met in March for two games in a row. The first matchup on March 16 resulted in a 100-92 win for the LA Lakers. Luka Doncic produced 36 points.
In the following game on March 18, the Lakers won with a score of 124-116. Doncic dropped 40 points in that game. The Lakers went 2-1 against the Rockets for the second season in a row.
The Lakers Have Major Questions
GettyLOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 12: Lakers forward LeBron James, #23, right, congratulates Lakers guard Luka Doncic after he sank a three-point shot, totaling 51 points for the game against the Bulls in the second half at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles Thursday, March 12, 2026. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
LA is the higher seed with the home-court advantage, but they face some major questions.
Luka Doncic has played extremely well against the Rockets this season, but he’s recovering from a left hamstring strain. His return date is unknown.
In addition to the superstar guard, the Lakers’ starting sharpshooter, Austin Reaves, is recovering from an oblique injury. His timeline is also unknown.
The Lakers aren’t expected to have Doncic and Reaves available for the start of the series. However, their target dates to return have not been revealed.
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