The Houston Rockets face the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1 of their playoff series on Saturday night. The Rockets aim to contain LeBron James to secure a victory.
Key points
Houston Rockets play Los Angeles Lakers in playoff Game 1
Rockets aim to contain LeBron James for victory
Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic are sidelined
LeBron James expected to be aggressive
Houston RocketsLos Angeles LakersLeBron JamesAustin Reaves
The Houston Rockets will kick off their playoff odyssey with a road matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night, and they'll look to set the tone for their first-round series with a Game 1 victory.
A key to victory for the Rockets is to keep star forward LeBron James in check — if they can achieve that, they should be in good shape. With Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic sidelined, folks should expect James to be extra aggressive in looking for his own shot.
Records, standing, and streaks
Mar 5, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) greets Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) on the court after the game at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Mar 5, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) greets Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) on the court after the game at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
At present, the Rockets come into this series with the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference, and the Lakers hold the No. 4 seed.
As this is Game 1, the series is currently tied 0-0.
What happened in the last game for each team?
Q&A
What time does the Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers game start?
The game is scheduled to start on Saturday night, though the exact time is not specified.
Who are the key players to watch in the Rockets vs. Lakers playoff game?
LeBron James is a key player for the Lakers, while the Rockets will focus on containing him for a chance at victory.
What is the injury status of Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic for the game?
Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic are sidelined, which may lead to LeBron James being more aggressive in his play.
How can the Rockets secure a win against the Lakers in Game 1?
The Rockets need to keep LeBron James in check to improve their chances of winning the game.
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Mar 5, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) reacts after scoring a basket during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Mar 5, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) reacts after scoring a basket during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Nov 12, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) and Houston Rockets forward Jeff Green (32) on the bench against the Washington Wizards during the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images
Nov 12, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) and Houston Rockets forward Jeff Green (32) on the bench against the Washington Wizards during the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images
For Los Angeles, Luka Doncic (left hamstring strain) is out and Austin Reaves (left oblique muscle strain) is out.
Mar 18, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) dribbles against Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) and forward Kevin Durant (7) in the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Mar 18, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) dribbles against Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) and forward Kevin Durant (7) in the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Apr 7, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) celebrates a shot by guard Amen Thompson (center) against the Phoenix Suns in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Apr 7, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) celebrates a shot by guard Amen Thompson (center) against the Phoenix Suns in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
