98-107
FINALHouston
Rockets
58-34|L10: 5-5
Los
Angeles Lakers
61-40|L10: 4-6
-
//
Eastern Conference
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HOU • Forward • #35
7 days ago
With their season on the line, the Rockets will go into Game 4 without their leading scorer. Despite around-the-clock treatment, the veteran wing has not been cleared to play through an injury that would likely sideline him for multiple weeks during the regular season. Reed Sheppard is in line to make another start, and the Rockets will need increased offensive production from Alperen Şengün.
Source: Shams Charania
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
8 days ago
The Lakers can close out the Rockets on Sunday, and they may get back one of their key scorers. Reaves, who has been out since April 2 with a strained oblique, is closing in on a return. Given where the series stands, the Lakers can take a conservative approach to working Reaves back into the lineup once he’s available. Luke Kennard has been the starting off-guard, and that will remain the case until Reaves returns.
Source: NBA Injury Report
HOU • Forward • #35
8 days ago
Durant missed Game 1 with a knee tendon bruise before coming back for Game 2 and spraining his ankle. The 37-year-old small forward appeared to be away from the team after being ruled out for Game 3, which was another Rockets loss. Now he’s questionable for Game 4 on Sunday. Reed Sheppard would return to the bench if Durant is available.
HOU • Center • #28
8 days ago
By almost any measure, Sengun had a great game in Game 3. He had 33 points, 16 rebounds and six assists. He added three steals and a block on the defensive end. He finished +10 in 47 minutes played including overtime. Still, without Kevin Durant (ankle), the Rockets collapsed down the stretch of regulation and the Lakers took total control of the series with the overtime win. Sengun and the Rockets will be playing to avoid elimination in Game 4 on Sunday.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #36
8 days ago
Smart had 25 points, seven assists and five steals in Game 2 and had a pretty similar stat line in Game 3. The 32-year-old point guard had 21 points, 10 assists and five steals as the Lakers improbably took a 3-0 series lead with the overtime win. Smart has become one of the Lakers’ most important players early in these playoffs with Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) sidelined.
LAL • Power Forward • #28
8 days ago
Hachimura set the tone right away in Game 3, dropping 16 points without missing from the field in the first quarter. The 28-year-old small forward finished with 22 points, which was second only to LeBron James on the Lakers. Hachimura had a great night while Luke Kennard, who averaged 25 points in the first two games of the series, had just 14 points.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
8 days ago
With the Lakers shorthanded to begin the playoffs, LeBron has been nothing short of excellent in the first three games. James is averaging 25.3 points, 9.7 rebounds and 8.7 assists in this series. With the Lakers trailing and less than 25 seconds remaining in regulation, the 41-year-old small forward got a steal and a game-tying three-pointer. Then the Lakers stole Game 3 in overtime. They’ll have a chance to complete a sweep in Game 4 on Sunday.
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
9 days ago
Reaves was initially listed as questionable and considered a game-time decision. After working out on the court pregame, he was ruled out. Luke Kennard will continue to start and put up points without Reaves, who hasn’t played since April 2.
HOU • Forward • #35
9 days ago
Durant missed Game 1 with a tendon bruise in his right knee and is now set to miss Game 3 with a sprained left ankle he suffered in Game 2. Reed Sheppard is an option to move into the starting lineup with Durant out. The injury is certainly a blow to the Rockets and a break for the Lakers.
Source: Shams Charania
LAL • Power Forward • #33
10 days ago
LaRavia’s absence from the injury report indicates that he’ll be available to take the floor for the Lakers on Friday. He’s come off the bench in each of the first two games against the Rockets in this series, posting six total points on 1-of-5 shooting from the field. He’ll likely play a similar role as a reserve in Game 3.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
10 days ago
Reaves’ upgrade on the injury report to questionable is an encouraging sign, signaling a potential return to the floor. He hasn’t appeared in a game since April 2, when the Lakers lost to the Thunder. The Lakers have gotten big production from others in Reaves’ absence, specifically from Luke Kennard, who is averaging 25 points through two playoff games. Should Reaves return in Game 3, it’ll likely be as a starter.
Source: Dave McMenamin
HOU • Forward • #35
10 days ago
Durant, who missed Game 1 with a tendon bruise in his right knee, is now dealing with a sprained left ankle. With the Rockets in a 0-2 hole, they can ill afford to be without their best offensive player in Game 3. Reed Sheppard would return to the starting lineup if Durant can’t play.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Power Forward • #33
10 days ago
LaRavia’s injury should be monitored, but it doesn’t sound very serious. If he’s forced to miss Game 3 at Houston, Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt could see increased run.
Source: Dan Woike
HOU • Forward • #35
11 days ago
While Durant otherwise had a nice game offensively as he led the Rockets with 23 points on 12 attempts from the field, his nine turnovers in Game 2 were glaring. The 37-year-old small forward returned for Game 2 after missing the first game of the series with a knee tendon bruise. Durant and the Rockets will have to regroup and try to hold serve as the series shifts to Houston for Game 3 on Friday.
LAL • Guard • #10
11 days ago
Kennard followed up his 27-point performance in Game 1 with 23 points in Game 2. The Lakers will certainly take this kind of production from Kennard while Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) are still out. Expect more of the same from Kennard until the Lakers get their stars back, though the Lakers will face a tough environment in Houston for Game 3 on Friday.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #36
11 days ago
Smart had 15 points and one three-pointer in Game 1, but stepped up his offensive production significantly in Game 2, keying a Lakers win. The added scoring from the 32-year-old shooting guard was a welcomed sight for the Lakers with Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) still sidelined. Smart and the Lakers will take on the Rockets in Game 3 on Friday as the series shifts to Houston.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
11 days ago
James shocked everyone in the third quarter when a lane completely opened up and he took the opportunity to throw down a reverse jam. With a minute left in the fourth quarter, another dunk by James essentially sealed the game for the Lakers. In his 23rd season and at 41-years-old, he still managed to play excellent basketball for 38 minutes in each of the first two games of this series. James is now the only player in NBA history at least 40-years-old to have at least 20 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in a playoff games and he’s done it three times. James will keep running the show with Luka Dončić (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) still sidelined.
HOU • Forward • #35
11 days ago
Durant missed Saturday’s Game 1 loss to the Lakers with a knee tendon bruise. The 27-year-old small forward is back for Game 2, according to Charania. Durant will face off in the playoffs against LeBron James for the first time since the 2018 NBA Finals.
Source: Shams Charania
HOU • Forward • #35
13 days ago
Due to a right knee contusion, Durant did not play in Saturday’s Game 1 loss to the Lakers. The veteran forward’s ability to participate in half of Monday’s session is not a good sign, even with Udoka saying that Durant will be a game-time decision for Tuesday’s Game 2. Reed Sheppard moved into the starting lineup in the series opener and struggled, shooting 6-of-20 from the field in 36 minutes of action. If Durant remains out, they’ll need more production from Sheppard and Alperen Şengün to avoid falling into a 0-2 hole.
Source: Will Guillory
HOU • • #
14 days ago
Smith finished Saturday’s defeat with playoff career-highs in points and rebounds, recording his first postseason double-double. He shot 3-of-9 from beyond the arc in Game 1, with the percentage being a few points lower than his mark during the regular season (36.3 percent). Smith is one of many Rockets who benefit from Kevin Durant’s presence on the floor; the veteran scorer did not play on Saturday due to a right knee contusion. If Durant can return for Tuesday’s Game 2, it would be unsurprising if Smith offered a more efficient stat line.
HOU • G • #15
14 days ago
With Kevin Durant (knee) unavailable, Sheppard returned to the Rockets’ starting lineup for Game 1. While the second-year guard has proven himself a competent scorer, he struggled on Saturday. Sheppard shot 5-of-14 from three and 1-of-6 from two, and the eight assists were countered by four turnovers. Regardless of what happens with Durant moving forward, the Rockets will need a more efficient Sheppard if they’re to play deep into the playoffs.
HOU • Guard-Forward • #1
14 days ago
After scoring a career-high 41 points in his final outing of the regular season, Thompson was held to less than half that number on Saturday. While he didn’t have a terrible night shooting the basketball, the Rockets’ guard’s inability to consistently hit jumpers can put him in a challenging spot when the opposition is locked in defensively. The Lakers were able to make Thompson play in a crowd for most of Game 1, limiting his effectiveness as a scorer. Getting Kevin Durant (knee) back for Tuesday’s Game 2 will help the entire Rockets’ roster, not just Thompson.
HOU • Center • #28
14 days ago
With no Kevin Durant (knee) in the fold for Game 1, this felt like a spot in which the Rockets would run even more of their offense through Şengün. While he did attempt 19 shots, there were moments when Şengün was not as involved in the offense as he should be. The final stat line was solid, but the Rockets are going to need more from him, regardless of Durant’s availability for the rest of the series. Houston will look to even the series at one game apiece on Tuesday night.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #36
14 days ago
Smart didn’t have the most efficient game, shooting below 50 percent from the field and committing five turnovers. Give the veteran guard credit for dishing out eight assists and recording three “stocks,” so all wasn’t lost for those competing in playoff fantasy leagues. The Lakers host Game 2 on Tuesday night, and they’ll need a cleaner performance from Smart than what he provided on Saturday.
LAL • Center • #2
14 days ago
No Luka Dončić or Austin Reaves means that there is more room for Ayton to step up offensively, and he played well in Saturday’s series opener. The 7-footer recorded a double-double on 80 percent shooting from the field while also leading the Lakers in rebounds. When Ayton is engaged early on, he’s usually fine for the rest of the night, which was the case in Game 1. The Lakers will need more of that from him if they’re to have a chance of winning the series.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
14 days ago
James made more history in Saturday’s series opener, passing John Stockton to become the oldest player in league history to dish out at least 10 assists in a playoff game. LeBron made a concerted effort to get his teammates going, and the result was a more confident group with all five starters scoring at least 14 points. With it unknown when Luka Dončić (hamstring) or Austin Reaves (oblique) will be healthy enough to play, LeBron will continue to shoulder most of the playmaking responsibilities.
LAL • Guard • #10
14 days ago
With no Luka Dončić (hamstring) or Austin Reaves (oblique), the Lakers were going to need more production from Kennard in Saturday’s playoff opener. The veteran sharpshooter answered the call, making all five of his three-point attempts and scoring a playoff career-high 27 points. Kennard also shot 50 percent from inside the arc in one of his best performances of the season. The Lakers will need a similar performance from Kennard in Game 2 on Tuesday.
HOU • G • #15
15 days ago
Three of the four best players in this series won’t be available for Game 1, as Kevin Durant has joined the Lakers’ Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves on the sidelines due to a knee contusion. Sheppard returns to the starting lineup, and he’ll shoulder a heavy workload along with Thompson and Şengün as playmakers within the Rockets’ offense.
Source: Matt Thomas
HOU • Forward • #35
15 days ago
Initially questionable, Durant will miss Saturday’s series-opener due to a right knee contusion. During his pregame availability, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka said that he hopes this is a one-game issue. With no Durant, Reed Sheppard will move into the starting lineup after coming off the bench the last time that Houston was close to full strength.
Source: Dave McMenamin
LAL • Center • #11
16 days ago
Hayes hasn’t taken the floor since April 5 against the Mavericks, as a foot injury has kept him on the sidelines. However, the injury-hit Lakers get a bit of good news on Friday, as the athletic center’s name is no longer on the injury report. He’ll likely come off the bench in his return.
Source: NBA Injury Report
HOU • Forward • #35
16 days ago
Durant’s status comes after resting in the regular-season finale against the Grizzlies. Now with Game 1 approaching, his uncertain availability is undoubtedly worth monitoring. Durant, a two-time NBA Finals MVP, averaged 26.0 points and 4.8 assists per game this season. If unable to go, his superstar production will be missed in Game 1, which will be without Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves on the Lakers’ side.
Source: Law Murray
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
20 days ago
Shams notes that Dončić and Austin Reaves (oblique) are unlikely to be available for the Lakers’ first-round series against the Rockets. Filling the void left by LA’s superstars will be no easy task, and the Lakers will tackle the issue using a platoon approach. Luke Kennard, Jake LaRavia and Rui Hachimura should be the next men up in the rotation.
Source: Shams Charania
LAL • Power Forward • #28
20 days ago
Hachimura has been on a hot streak recently, having scored in double figures in five straight games. However, this was his best game of the stretch, as it was his highest-scoring outing since January and his first double-double of the season. With the status of Luka Dončić (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) up in the air, Hachimura will be a vital piece for the Lakers against the Rockets in the first round.
LAL • Center • #2
20 days ago
It has been an up-and-down first year with the Lakers for Ayton, but he ended the regular season on a high note. This was his first 20-point double-double in a month, and he was also able to make an impact as a shot blocker. The health of Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves are the two biggest questions for the Lakers right now, but Ayton will also be a big factor for them. He’ll be matched up with Alperen Sengun in the first round of the playoffs, with Game 1 scheduled for Saturday.
LAL • Small Forward • #4
20 days ago
Knecht hasn’t played much during his second season in the league, but he got the opportunity in the blowout win. He took advantage and stuffed the stat sheet, but he’ll likely be back on the bench for the playoffs. Still, this was a productive game for him, and it may lead to a team being interested in making a trade for him this offseason, which is the clearest path to him being a rotation player.
HOU • Forward • #17
20 days ago
Eason and Clint Capela moved into the starting lineup with Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun resting on the last day of the regular season. Both reserves had outstanding games. Eason is known for scoring points in bunches off the bench, which should be valuable for the Rockets in the playoffs.
HOU • Center • #15
20 days ago
Capela started, played 23 minutes and had a double-double in the win over the Grizzlies on Sunday. There’s not much more you could want out of the 31-year-old big man on the last day of the regular season. Capela will go back to his reserve role in the Rockets’ first round playoff series.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
21 days ago
James was initially listed as questionable as he continues to manage a foot injury. While the 41-year-old forward is available, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Lakers prioritize getting LeBron some rest as the game goes on.
LAL • Center • #11
21 days ago
Hayes will remain sidelined for a fourth straight game, which means the Lakers will turn to Jarred Vanderbilt and Maxi Kleber for the backup center minutes. However, that hasn’t led to much production for either player.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Shooting Guard • #8
21 days ago
Sunday’s transaction ensures that Smith will be available for the playoffs, a needed move since the Lakers are unlikely to have Luka Dončić (hamstring) or Austin Reaves (oblique) for the first round. The 27th overall pick in the 2023 draft, Smith has played between 11 and 13 minutes in each of the Lakers’ last three games, so this signing will not significantly affect the rotation.
Source: Shams Charania
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
21 days ago
Even with the Lakers still in play for the No. 3 seed in the West heading into the final day of the regular season, they may prioritize giving LeBron some rest, given the workload he has shouldered recently. As for Hayes, he has missed the Lakers’ last three games, resulting in more playing time for Jarred Vanderbilt and Maxi Kleber.
Source: NBA Injury Report
HOU • Guard-Forward • #1
21 days ago
The Rockets don’t have playoff seeding to play for, as Friday’s loss to the Timberwolves locked them into the No. 5 seed in the West. Thompson and Smith will get Sunday night off, which should mean more playing time for Aaron Holiday and Jae’Sean Tate.
Source: NBA Injury Report
HOU • Forward • #35
21 days ago
With Friday’s loss to the Timberwolves, the Rockets are locked into the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference. Since there isn’t anything on the line on Sunday, Reed Sheppard is the lone starter who will play. Tari Eason and Clint Capela should benefit from Durant and Şengün sitting.
Source: NBA Injury Report