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USA Today roundtable expert predictions for Lakers vs Rockets series
TL;DR
The Los Angeles Lakers face a tough challenge against the Houston Rockets in their first-round playoff series, starting Saturday, with key players Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves expected to miss the entire series due to injuries. Experts predict the Rockets will win the series, likely closing it out in Game 6.
Key points
- Lakers face Rockets in first-round playoff series starting Saturday
- Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves likely out for the series
- Experts predict Rockets will win, possibly in Game 6
- Rockets finished regular season 9-1 in last 10 games
- Amen Thompson's performance is a key matchup to watch
Los Angeles LakersHouston RocketsLuka DoncicAustin Reaves
The general expectation across the NBA is that the Los Angeles Lakers don't stand a real chance against the Houston Rockets in their upcoming best-of-seven first-round playoff series, which starts on Saturday. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, their top two scoring options, are out with hamstring and oblique strains, at least to start the series, and the expectation is that both stars will miss the entire series.
How bad could it get for the Lakers? The experts at the USA Today network NBA wires sites chimed in about how they feel this series will go. Spoiler alert: None of them believe LeBron James and crew will emerge victorious.
Ben DuBose, Rockets Wire: The Rockets have lost too many games this season versus lesser competition for me to feel confident in predicting a short series. But factoring in the injuries, Houston does have the superior roster, and the Rockets did go 9-1 in their final 10 games of the regular season. So, they could be peaking at the right time.
As far as matchups to watch, Amen Thompson has been brilliant in recent weeks, and the Lakers don't have elite rim protection. There will likely still be bumps along the way, and perhaps a maddening loss in there, but I'll take the Rockets to close out the series at home in Game 6.
Prediction: Rockets in six
Justin Quinn - Celtics Wire: If everyone was healthy, this might be one of the more compelling series in the West this postseason. But with as banged up as they are heading into Game 1, I'll grant that Houston should win this sooner than in six games, but for the same reason my colleagues have doubt about a shorter series, I have to give the Lakers a pair of wins.
Q&A
What are the injury statuses of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves for the Lakers?
Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are both expected to miss the entire series against the Rockets due to hamstring and oblique strains.
How have the Rockets performed leading up to the playoffs?
The Rockets finished the regular season strong, going 9-1 in their last 10 games, which has raised expectations for their playoff performance.
What do experts predict for the Lakers vs Rockets playoff series?
Experts generally predict that the Rockets will win the series against the Lakers, with many expecting it to conclude in Game 6.
What matchups should fans watch in the Lakers vs Rockets series?
Fans should pay attention to Amen Thompson's performance, as he has been outstanding recently, and the Lakers' lack of elite rim protection could be a significant factor.