The Houston Rockets face elimination in Game 3 against the Los Angeles Lakers, trailing the series 2-0. A loss would mark a historic challenge, as no team has come back from a 3-0 deficit in NBA playoff history.
Key points
Rockets are trailing the series 2-0
Game 3 is crucial for Houston's playoff hopes
Kevin Durant needs to be more aggressive
No team has come back from a 3-0 deficit in NBA history
Houston RocketsLos Angeles LakersKevin Durant
The Houston Rockets' season will be on the line in Friday's Game 3 against the storied Los Angeles Lakers. Currently, Houston is trailing the series 2-0, and another loss would put the team in an insurmountable hole.
No squad in the history of the league has rallied all the way back from a 3-0 deficit in a best-of-seven format to advance. Plus, only four of the 159 teams that have faced such a deficit over the years have even forced a Game 7.
In order for the Rockets to get back in the win column and get themselves back in this series, they need a more aggressive version of Kevin Durant in Game 3. Durant took just 12 shots across more than 40 minutes of playing time in Tuesday's Game 2 loss.
Records, standing, and streaks
Apr 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) is defended by Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) as he drives to the basket during the second half of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Apr 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) is defended by Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) as he drives to the basket during the second half of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The Rockets came into this series with the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference, while the Lakers have the No. 4 seed.
This is Game 3, and Los Angeles holds a 2-0 series lead.
Q&A
What are the Houston Rockets' chances of winning Game 3 against the Lakers?
The Rockets must win Game 3 to avoid elimination, as no team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in NBA playoff history.
Who needs to step up for the Rockets in Game 3?
Kevin Durant needs to be more aggressive, having taken only 12 shots in Game 2.
What is the current series score between the Rockets and Lakers?
The Lakers lead the series 2-0 against the Rockets.
When is Game 3 of the Rockets vs. Lakers playoff series?
Game 3 is scheduled for Friday, April 24.
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What happened in Game 2?
Apr 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luke Kennard (10) defends Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) after a reoubnd during the second half of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Apr 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luke Kennard (10) defends Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) after a reoubnd during the second half of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Houston lost to the Lakers (101-94) on the road.
Injuries
Apr 3, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) warms up prior to the game against the Utah Jazz at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images
Apr 3, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) warms up prior to the game against the Utah Jazz 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 questionable.
For Houston, Fred VanVleet (ACL repair) is out, Steven Adams (left ankle surgery) is out and Kevin Durant (left ankle sprain) is questionable.
Probable starting lineups - Houston
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
Apr 18, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots the ball against Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) and guard Amen Thompson (1) in the second 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; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots the ball against Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) and guard Amen Thompson (1) in the second half during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
