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NBA releases complete first-round schedule for Rockets-Lakers playoffs
TL;DR
The NBA has released the full first-round schedule for the Houston Rockets versus Los Angeles Lakers playoff series, featuring All-Stars Kevin Durant and LeBron James. The series begins on April 18 in Los Angeles, with the first two games before moving to Houston for Games 3 and 4.
On Wednesday, the NBA announced the full schedule for the Houston Rocketsā upcoming best-of-seven playoff series versus the Los Angeles Lakers. The matchup features a pair of All-Star forwards and future Hall of Famers in Kevin Durant and LeBron James.
The Lakers (53-29) and Rockets (52-30) finished as the No. 4 and No. 5 seeds, respectively, in the 2026 Western Conference standings. Thus, they are meeting in the first round as part of the eight-team playoff bracket.
The first two games will tip off in Los Angeles on Saturday, April 18, at 7:30 p.m. Central and on Tuesday, April 21, at 9:30 p.m.Ā Central. The Rockets will then return home for Game 3 and Game 4 on Friday, April 24 at 7:00 p.m. Central and on Sunday, April 26, at 8:30 p.m.Ā Central.
All games will be broadcast on national television, with the network varying by game.
All playoff games will also air on the teamās AM radio broadcast home, SportsTalk 790 KBME and NewsRadio 740 KTRH.Ā Radio broadcasts are available in Spanish on KLTN 102.9 HD2.
Space City Home Network (SCHN) will host postgame shows throughout the playoffs, featuring Craig Ackerman and Ryan Hollins in studio and Vanessa Richardson on-site for player reactions.
The complete first-round schedule is below. Times and broadcast information for Game 5 and beyond will be provided from the league, if necessary.
| Game # | Date | Location | Time (Central) | TV |
| 1 | Saturday, April 18 | Los Angeles | 7:30 p.m. | ABC |
| 2 | Tuesday, April 21 | Los Angeles | 9:30 p.m. | NBC |
| 3 | Friday, April 24 | Houston | 7 p.m. | Prime |
| 4 | Sunday, April 26 | Houston | 8:30 p.m. | NBC |
| 5* | Wednesday, April 29 | Los Angeles | TBD | TBD |
| 6* | Friday, May 1 | Houston | TBD | TBD |
More: Rockets (52-30) finish season with win, draw Lakers as playoff opponent
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: NBA releases complete first-round schedule for Rockets-Lakers playoffs
Q&A
What are the dates and times for the Rockets vs. Lakers playoff games?
The first two games are on April 18 at 7:30 p.m. and April 21 at 9:30 p.m. Central in Los Angeles, followed by Games 3 and 4 on April 24 at 7:00 p.m. and April 26 at 8:30 p.m. Central in Houston.
Who are the star players in the Rockets vs. Lakers playoff series?
The series features All-Star forwards Kevin Durant from the Rockets and LeBron James from the Lakers.
What seed did the Rockets and Lakers finish in the 2026 Western Conference standings?
The Lakers finished as the No. 4 seed and the Rockets as the No. 5 seed in the 2026 Western Conference standings.
