Lakers vs. Rockets: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info and More

In the first game since the Lakers sent Derek Fisher to the Houston Rockets, the Lakers and Rockets will square off in a matchup between two Western Conference teams vying for playoff seeding.

While the Lakers are contesting for the Pacific Division title with upstart crosstown rival the Los Angeles Clippers, the Rockets are trying to cling to that eighth playoff seed with Phoenix and Utah just half a game back and Minnesota two games back.

Where: Toyota Center

When: Tuesday, March 20, 8:00 pm EDT

Watch: KCAL, FSH

Stream: NBA League Pass

Listen: ESPN 710 (Los Angeles), SportsRadio 610 (Houston)

Betting Line: Available Tuesday, March 20, 8:30 am

Key Injuries

Kevin Martin, Houston, has missed his last four games with a strained right shoulder.

Kyle Lowry, Houston, is out with a strained right shoulder.

Metta World Peace, Los Angeles, left Sunday's game with hip bursitis.

Christian Eyenga, Los Angeles, is out with a lacerated toe.

What They’re Saying

Mike Brown on one of Kobe Bryant's worst shooting nights of his career:

"

The bottom line is he's our guy. The shots he took, I'd give it to him again. I don't know how many shots he missed near the rim—I mean, point blank shots. So for me, the shots he took, he's our guy. I'll play that game all over again, and have him shoot the same ones and if he goes 3-for-20, then he goes 3-for-20. 

"

Most Important Player to Watch

Kobe Bryant is going to be the player to watch in this one, as the Lakers tend to go as Kobe goes. The Lakers are 17-7 when Bryant scores 25 points and shoots at least .450 from the field. They are 3-8 when he shoots below .400 from the field while taking at least 20 shots.

Bryant has a tendency to try to prove himself, especially after poor performances. If he is on, he should carry the Lakers to a win. If not, he'll drag them to defeat.

Key Matchup: Ramon Sessions vs. Goran Dragic

Dragic and Sessions are a pair of point guards who are proving their value this year. Dragic has been outstanding in relief of Kyle Lowry this year, averaging 15.8 points and 9.3 assists as a starter.

Meanwhile, Sessions has not yet been named the starter for the Lakers, but he's been getting more minutes than Steve Blake. In the two games since joining the Lakers, Sessions has been averaging 8.5 points, 5.5 assists and 3.0 rebounds in 21 minutes per game. These two will be the point guards at the end of the game, and whoever gets the best of the other is going to be on the winning team.

Prediction

Rockets 93, Lakers 91