The NBA postseason has arrived, which means we have a brand new slate of first round matchups to dive into. One of the most intriguing series’ in the first round is the showdown between the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets.
For the first time since the 2018 NBA Finals, LeBron James and Kevin Durant will go head-to-head in the postseason. Let’s take a look at how both teams can move on to the second round.
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How The Rockets Can Win
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The Rockets come into the matchup in a much better spot in regards to health. With the Lakers missing their two top scorers in Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, Houston may be able to keep the Lakers from generating much offense with sheer numbers.
The Rockets’ ability to overwhelm the Lakers with size and athleticism will go a long way in this series. Durant will obviously be tasked with a large chunk of the scoring, but players like Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson and Tari Eason can be game-changers for Houston.
Without their contributions, Houston’s offense will struggle to find a consistent rhythm. If everyone is playing well, the Rockets can beat the Lakers with size and numbers.
The Rockets have caught a good stride at the perfect time. There’s a serious chance they win the series in four or five games.
How The Lakers Can Win
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The Lakers are likely to be fighting an uphill battle in this matchup. Doncic is currently battling a hamstring strain while Reaves is dealing with an oblique strain. With over 50 of their points per game on the sideline, the Lakers will look to 41-year-old LeBron James to shoulder more of the offensive load.
They had just caught fire in March and looked like a scary matchup in the postseason, but the loss of Doncic and Reaves forced them to revamp the system in the final few games of the regular season.
If supporting players like Marcus Smart and Rui Hachimura can stay healthy and play at a high level, the Lakers may be able to stay afloat until one of the two stars can get back on the floor.
Deandre Ayton will also be a huge factor for L.A. in this series. He’s the only true center the Lakers can confidently start, but he’s notoriously streaky. One night, he can look like a modern-day David Robinson, but look completely uninspired and reluctant the next night.
A major part of the Lakers’ chances lie within exactly how much playoff magic that James has left in the tank. He spent most of the season as the third option behind Doncic and Reaves, but has stepped up in their absence and just took home Western Conference Player of the Week.
With all things considered, Houston appears to be the favorite in this matchup, my prediction is that the Rockets will advance to the second round after six games.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
