Following a Sunday night victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, the Houston Rockets can put the regular season in the rearview mirror. It’s time for the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
With the fifth seed locked up, the Rockets are ready for a first-round matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers. They finished just 1.0 game in front of Houston.
After the 132-101 win over the Lakers, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka discussed his team’s upcoming series against LA.
Ime Udoka Makes A Statement On Facing The Lakers In The NBA Playoffs
GettyDENVER, CO – DECEMBER 15: Ime Udoka of the Houston Rockets walks off the court during halftime against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on December 15, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
âStarting with tonight, or, like I said even 16 games ago, we really wanted to focus on ourselves. Playing the right way, regardless of seedings and how close it is, too tough to do anything and try to pick an opponent,” Udoka told reporters.
“For us, obviously, itâs fresh that we lost two games to them recently. Then, kind of flipped the switch since then. We had a really good game against them on Christmas, and obviously, theyâre injured, but you know, [the Lakers have] quality players across the board. You saw that with Minnesota, that had guys out, itâs still the NBA, and they have some really great players there. Weâll have our hands full.â
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 16: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets defends Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter of the game at Toyota Center on March 16, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
On Christmas Day in 2025, the Rockets embarrassed the Lakers in front of a national audience. A 119-96 beatdown had the Lakers facing some strong criticism from outsiders.
The Lakers turned the heat up in March. When they faced the Rockets two times in a row on March 16 and 18, the Lakers collected two statement victories. It turned the tables on Houston, having the outsiders suddenly questioning their status as contenders.
Since that two-game stretch, the Rockets have gone 10-3. They finished the 2025-2026 regular season as one of the hottest teams in the league. Prior to a recent 136-132 loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Rockets were on an eight-game winning streak.
When Do The Lakers-Rockets Meet?
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 16: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers defends Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets during the game at Toyota Center on March 16, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
Both teams will get some quality rest as the NBA holds the Play-In Tournament throughout the week.
On Saturday, April 18, the Rockets and the Lakers will meet for Game 1. The matchup is set to tip off at 8:30 PM ET.
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