The Houston Rockets face the Los Angeles Lakers on April 21, aiming to even their playoff series. Historically, teams losing the first two games at home have a low chance of advancing.
Key points
Houston Rockets aim to even playoff series with Lakers
Game is on April 21 night
Rockets need to improve offensively
Rockets are No. 5 seed, Lakers are No. 4 seed
Only five teams have rallied from 0-2 at home in NBA history
Houston RocketsLos Angeles LakersNBA Western Conference Playoffs 2026
The Houston Rockets will be aiming to even up their playoff series with the Los Angeles Lakers on this Tuesday (April 21) night before the first round matchup of the 2026 NBA Western Conference Playoffs shifts to Southern California's Crypto.com Arena for Games 3 and 4.
History suggests that Tuesday is essentially a must-win game for Rockets head coach Ime Udoka and company if they want to advance to the next round. There have been only five teams in NBA history that have rallied back from losing the first two contests of a seven-game series at home to advance in league history.
It’s safe to claim that the Rockets need to be better offensively than they were in Game 1 if they want to get back in the win column.
Records, standing, and streaks
The Rockets came into this series with the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference, and the Lakers have the No. 4 seed.
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
This is Game 2, and Los Angeles holds a 1-0 series lead.
What happened in Game 1?
Q&A
What time is the Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers game on April 21?
The game is scheduled for the evening of April 21.
What are the current playoff standings for the Rockets and Lakers?
The Rockets are the No. 5 seed and the Lakers are the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference.
What do the Rockets need to improve to win against the Lakers?
The Rockets need to enhance their offensive performance compared to Game 1 to secure a win.
How many teams have come back from losing the first two playoff games at home?
Only five teams in NBA history have rallied back from losing the first two contests of a seven-game series at home to advance.
Related Articles
Sports·Feature
College softball: Week 11 Top 25 and how to watch
Check out the Week 11 Top 25 college softball rankings and how to watch!
ESPN News··1 min read
Sports
Five Championship players catching the eye of Premier League clubs
Five Championship Players Attracting Premier League Clubs Ahead of Transfer Window
Sky Sports··1 min read
Sports
Haugh returning to Florida; NCAA loss 'lit a fire'
Florida's Thomas Haugh delays NBA for senior season, boosting team hopes
ESPN News··1 min read
NFL
Jets GM: Don't misread nixed visit with DE Bailey
Jets GM Darren Mougey addresses the canceled visit with DE David Bailey ahead of the NFL draft.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 25: Maxi Kleber #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers sets a screen for teammate Lebron James #23 against Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets during the first quarter at Crypto.com Arena on December 25, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 25: Maxi Kleber #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers sets a screen for teammate Lebron James #23 against Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets during the first quarter at Crypto.com Arena on December 25, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Houston lost to the Lakers (107-98) at home.
Injuries
For Los Angeles, Luka Doncic (left hamstring strain) is out and Austin Reaves (left oblique muscle strain) is out.
Apr 18, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Houston Rockets guard Fred Vanvleet and forward Kevin Durant watch from the bench against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Apr 18, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Houston Rockets guard Fred Vanvleet and forward Kevin Durant watch from the bench against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 18: Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets dunks the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Toyota Center on March 18, 2026 in Houston, Texas. 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 Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 18: Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets dunks the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Toyota Center on March 18, 2026 in Houston, Texas. 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 Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
