Cavaliers-Raptors Game 4 takeaways: Collin Murray-Boyles provides big boost, James Harden has turnover issues
Raptors defeat Cavaliers 93-89 in Game 4, series now tied at 2-2.
The Houston Rockets are facing elimination against the Los Angeles Lakers, trailing 3-0 in the playoff series. Coach Ime Udoka aims to rally his team to avoid a first-round sweep at home.
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It's win-or-go-home time for the Houston Rockets. Ime Udoka's team is currently trailing the Los Angeles Lakers 3-0, leaving them on the verge of a humbling sweep at the hands of JJ Redick's team. Houston is facing seemingly insurmountable odds. Only four teams in league history have fought back from a 3-0 start to a playoff series to earn a game seven. All four fell at the final hurdle. Still, Udoka will demand more from his roster heading into Sunday's game, if for no other reason than to avoid the calamity of being swept in the first round.
However, if the Rockets want to secure a win on their home floor, they must find some offensive continuity. The Lakers have been setting up roadblocks throughout the series. Houston needs to create somewhat of a rhythm on the offensive end if it's going to get the best out of its talented roster.
The Rockets came into this series with the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference, while the Lakers have the No. 4 seed.
Apr 18, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka watches in the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
This is Game 4, and Los Angeles holds a 3-0 series lead.
The Los Angeles Lakers lead the series against the Houston Rockets 3-0.
Ime Udoka is the head coach of the Houston Rockets.
Only four teams in NBA history have come back from a 3-0 playoff deficit to force a game seven.
The Rockets need to find offensive continuity and create a rhythm to compete effectively against the Lakers.
Raptors defeat Cavaliers 93-89 in Game 4, series now tied at 2-2.
Raptors beat Cavaliers 93-89, tying the series at 2-2!
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Apr 24, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) reacts after a play during overtime against the Los Angeles Lakers during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Houston lost to the Lakers (112-108) at home.
For Los Angeles, Luka Doncic (left hamstring strain) is out and Austin Reaves (left oblique muscle strain) is questionable.
Apr 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) looks on from the court in the second half of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
For Houston, Fred VanVleet (ACL repair) is out, Steven Adams (left ankle surgery) is out and Kevin Durant (left ankle sprain) is questionable.
Apr 24, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach JJ Redick reacts during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Rockets vs. Lakers: stream, lineups, injury reports (4/26)