Rockets vs. Lakers: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info and More
A lot can happen between now and the end of the season in terms of playoff seeding in the Western Conference. That's especially true for the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers, who can move both up and down the standings still before the end of the season.
Friday's game marks a rematch of a March 20 matchup in which the Lakers blew a double-digit lead as the Rockets closed with a 12-0 run to steal one from Kobe Bryant and the Lakers in a 107-104 Houston win.
This game also marked the beginning of a stretch of odd behavior for Lakers center Andrew Bynum, who was ejected from the contest.
The Lakers enter this game possibly playing their best basketball of the season, winners of four consecutive games and seven of their past 10.
Houston, on the other hand, has rotated wins and losses throughout its past six games, most recently coming off an impressive victory over the Chicago Bulls. Currently the Rockets have a grip on the No. 7 seed in the West but are only a game away from missing the playoffs altogether.
The two teams have split the two prior meetings in the season season, with both teams winning at home, so expect the energy to be high in this contest.
Here's a look at everything you need to know for Rockets vs. Lakers.
When: Friday, April 5 at 10:30 p.m. EDT
Where: Staples Center in Los Angeles
Watch: NBA TV, FSN Prime Ticket
Live Stream: NBA League Pass
Betting Line: Not available until tomorrow
Rockets' Key Injuries (Per Yahoo! Sports)
Day-to-Day: Kevin Martin (strained right shoulder)
Out: Kyle Lowry (bacterial infection)
Lakers' Key Injuries (Per Yahoo! Sports)
Day-to-Day: Kobe Bryant (bruised left shin), Andrew Bynum (sprained left ankle), Jordan Hill (sprained right MCL)
What They're Saying
It's late in the season and everyone is banged up in one way or another, and that includes Bynum, who returned to the lineup Wednesday night after missing Tuesday's game against New Jersey. He responded in monster fashion with his best effort of the season in a win against the Clippers, scoring 36 points on 13-for-20 shooting from the field and 10-for-12 from the free throw line, eight rebounds and four blocks.
Bynum was also 0-for-1 from three-point range after catching an outlet pass towards the end of the third quarter, dribbling to the corner and hoisting up a prayer.
"I wanted to shoot a three, that was a perfect time," Bynum said to ESPN's Dave McMenamin after the game.
Bynum's missed an average of 31 games per season due to injury during the last four years, but this season he's been healthy, only missing one because of injury. Via McMenamin:
""Playing through injuries is part of the business," said Bynum, who explained that he spent 12 hours receiving treatment on his ankle in the last two days to be ready to suit up and was still experiencing soreness in the joint. "I had to miss one game and that sucked, but tonight was an important game because we were battling for playoff position, so I wanted to play."
"
Bryant also chimed in, commending Bynum's effort.
"That has to be kind of the character of our team and what we're made of," Bryant said. "You got to be willing to play through things. If you're able to go out there and perform, you should do it."
Most Important Player to Watch: Kobe Bryant
Bryant's shooting struggles have been well documented, but the Lakers star seems to have found his touch as of late.
He's still leading the NBA in scoring at 28.1 points per game but has averaged 31.7 points per game through the Lakers' last three contests, but it's come on an impressive 39-for-63 (.619) shooting the ball.
If Bryant continues to shoot the ball well, the Lakers will roll.
Key Matchup: Rockets Bigs vs. Andrew Bynum
The key for the Rockets will be slowing down Bynum. If he goes off like he did against the Clippers, Houston will have no chance.
Houston can throw different looks at Bynum, but Marcus Camby and Samuel Dalembert are going to have their hands full.
Prediction
Lakers 98, Rockets 91
