The Houston Rockets are heading into their series against the Los Angeles Lakers with growing concern.
Kevin Durant is now questionable for Game 1 due to a right knee contusion — and a three-time NBA champion believes that could change everything.
ESPN NBA analyst Danny Green believes Houston may not be as safe as it looks heading into the matchup, pointing to both structural issues and the Lakers’ recent surge as potential warning signs.
“When I first heard the news [of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves injuries], I thought it was over. Lakers are done, they’re cooked,” Green said on a conference call with NBA reporters, including Heavy Sports, on Friday. “But now they’re showing signs of life… they looked like a good collective.”
Rockets Facing Pressure Despite Talent Edge
Houston is widely expected to win the series, but that expectation comes with pressure. According to Green, the Rockets should take care of business quickly — or risk letting the series slip.
“All the pressure is on them,” he said. “They need to take care of business and win this series in five games or less. If they stretch it to six, then it’s trouble.”
That sense of urgency stems not just from the Lakers’ resilience but also from lingering concerns about Houston’s roster construction and consistency.
Injury Concerns Add Uncertainty for Houston
GettySteven Adams of the Houston Rockets suffered a sprained ankle.
Adding to the uncertainty is Durant’s injury status. His availability looms large for a Rockets team that has leaned on scoring depth and versatility throughout the season.
Even if Durant plays, any limitation could affect Houston’s offensive rhythm, particularly in high-leverage moments against a team known for late-game execution.
The Rockets are also navigating the absence of key contributors. Green highlighted the loss of Steven Adams, whose rebounding presence had been critical to Houston’s interior dominance.
“They’re without Steven Adams, who is their biggest power in offensive rebounding,” Green said. “He’s no longer there.”
The veteran big man averaged 5.8 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 22.8 minutes through 32 games before going down with a season-ending left ankle surgery. He was leading the league in offensive rebounding, averaging 4.7 per game, before the injury.
Backcourt Questions Remain for Rockets
Houston’s issues extend beyond the frontcourt. The absence of Fred VanVleet for the entire season has left the Rockets searching for stability at the point guard position.
“They’ve struggled to have point guard issues all year long,” Green said. “They have not fixed that issue. At the trade deadline, they did nothing.”
Those concerns have shown up in late-game situations, where execution becomes critical.
Clutch-Time Struggles Could Be Decisive
The Rockets have posted a 22-23 record in clutch-time games this season, reflecting inconsistency in close contests. By contrast, the Lakers have excelled in those moments with a 22-8 record, even while dealing with injuries to key players.
That gap could become a deciding factor if the series remains competitive deep into games.
Lakers Showing Signs of Life
Despite missing top playmakers such as Doncic and Reaves, the Lakers have found ways to stay competitive. They won their last three games of the season without their top two stars that helped build momentum heading into the series.
“They showed some togetherness in those last four or five games,” Green said.
Rockets Must Avoid Letting Series Slip
While Houston remains the favorite, the margin for error may be smaller than expected. Injuries, roster gaps and late-game inconsistencies all create potential openings for a veteran-led Lakers team.
Green made it clear: the Rockets have the edge, but they cannot afford to lose control of the series.
“They should win this in five games or less,” he said. “But you just never know with them. They’re so up-and-down.”
As Game 1 approaches, Houston finds itself in a familiar but uncomfortable position — expected to win, yet facing enough uncertainty to make the outcome far from guaranteed.
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This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
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