94-101
FINALHouston
Rockets
58-34|L10: 5-5
Los
Angeles Lakers
61-40|L10: 4-6
-
//
Eastern Conference
Sign in
Sign in and connect Sleeper to unlock personalized fantasy insights.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
4 days ago
Charania reports that even if the Lakers advance to face the Thunder in the second round of the NBA Playoffs, Dončić is expected to remain out to begin the series. While the 27-year-old point guard has done on-court work, he hasn’t progressed to full scrimmages yet, according to Charania. Dončić’s return was described by Charania as a slow path, which also doesn’t inspire confidence for a speedy recovery. He last appeared in a game for the Lakers on April 2.
Source: Shams Charania
HOU • Forward • #35
5 days ago
Despite it being another elimination game for the Rockets, Durant still won’t be available to suit up. Reed Sheppard should continue to start after scoring 17 points in Houston’s Game 4 victory. If they’re able to extend the series, there is a chance Durant is able to make a return to the court, which would help the Rockets’ chances of making history by coming back from down 0-3.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
5 days ago
Reaves was a game-time decision in Games 3 and 4, but this latest update from Shams bodes well for Reaves’ return. With the Lakers looking to close out the series and move on to face the Thunder, Reaves’ return could come at just the right time.
Source: Shams Charania
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
6 days ago
In an appearance on the Pat McAfee show, Charania noted that Reaves - who was considered questionable for Game 4 - could get back on the court Wednesday when the Lakers return home for Game 5 against the Rockets. The Lakers went up three games to nil before getting blown out in Game 4. Reaves could be the catalyst the team needs to complete the gentleman’s sweep and advance to the Western Conference semifinals.
Source: Shams Charania
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
6 days ago
LA is up 3-1 with Game 5 back at crypto.com Arena. Even if the series goes the distance, Dončić will not return to the court sooner than the Western Conference semifinals. Until the superstar returns, the Lakers will continue to pick up the slack using a committee approach.
Source: Shams Charania
LAL • Power Forward • #28
6 days ago
Hachimura shot the ball well in Game 4, making 60 percent of his attempts. However, it wasn’t enough on a night when the Lakers’ high scorer, Deandre Ayton, was ejected halfway through the third quarter and only three starters finished in double figures. Hachimura and the Lakers will look to close out the series on Wednesday when they host Game 5.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
6 days ago
As well as James played in the first three games of this series, he struggled mightily in Game 4. The Rockets were far more effective defensively on Sunday, harassing James into eight turnovers and a 2-of-9 night from the field. LeBron and the Lakers head home for Game 5 on Wednesday, which may be enough time for Austin Reaves to return from his oblique injury. If so, that would be of immense help to James and the Lakers as they look to close out the series.
HOU • Forward • #17
6 days ago
Eason was one of four Rockets to record at least three steals in Game 4, and the team finished with a staggering 19 on the night. His five steals were a playoff career-high for the Rockets forward, who also rebounded nicely from poor shooting in Games 2 and 3. In those defeats, Eason totaled 15 points on 6-of-23 shooting from the field. And with Kevin Durant (ankle) injured, Houston can’t afford to have Eason struggling with his shot. They’ll hope that he can carry his Game 4 performance into Game 5 on Wednesday.
HOU • G • #15
6 days ago
While Game 4 was the third time in this series that Sheppard finished with 17 points, he was far more efficient than in Games 1 and 3. The second-year guard shot 50 percent from the field on Sunday, compared to 6-of-20 in Game 1 and 6-of-21 in Game 3. Add in the assists, three-pointers and steals, and Sheppard had a good night when the Rockets needed him most. Sheppard has recorded three steals in back-to-back games, and he kept the turnovers in check in Game 4 after racking up five in the Rockets’ Game 3 defeat. How much he’ll play in Game 5 on Wednesday depends on the availability of Kevin Durant (ankle), who did not play in Games 3 or 4.
HOU • Center • #28
6 days ago
Şengün was one of five Rockets starters to finish the Game 4 victory in double figures, and he’s scored at least 19 points in all four games. The Rockets’ center was not as productive as he was in Game 3, but Şengün’s receiving help from multiple teammates factored into Houston’s ability to extend the series to Game 5. Over the last two games, he has shot a combined 21-of-39 from the field, totaling 52 points, while also accounting for 22 rebounds, eight assists, four steals and two blocked shots.
HOU • Guard-Forward • #1
6 days ago
Thompson and the Rockets avoided the sweep with a commanding victory in Game 4, with their defense leading the way. Houston forced 23 turnovers on the night, leading to 30 points off turnovers. Add in 23 fast break points, and the Rockets were able to coast to a 19-point victory. Thompson, who logged 41 minutes, led the way offensively in both points and assists, and he has totaled 49 points over the last two games. The Rockets will need similar production in Game 5 on Wednesday.
LAL • Center • #2
6 days ago
Ayton was assessed a Flagrant 2 foul for a forearm that he delivered to the head of Rockets center Alperen Şengün. The Lakers center played 25 minutes, finishing with 19 points (9-of-12 FGs, 1-of-1 FTs), 10 rebounds and one blocked shot. Ayton’s early exit, the first of his NBA career, means more playing time for Jaxson Hayes.
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
7 days ago
While there was hope that Reaves would be available for Game 4, the Lakers’ 3-0 series lead may have factored into the decision to keep him out. Luke Kennard will remain in the starting lineup, and he has been productive throughout this series.
Source: Khobi Price
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
12 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