Lakers vs. Rockets Preview and Game Thread: Can L.A. get the third seed?
The Lakers will look to clinch the third seed with a win against the Rockets on Friday.
The Lakers will play their final home game of the regular season against the Houston Rockets on Friday.
While both teams have already booked their ticket to the playoffs, it’s the purple and gold that have yet to clinch seeding. L.A. will look to secure the third seed as well as the Pacific Division with a win on Friday.
Start time and TV schedule
Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets
When: 7:30 PDT, Apr 11
Where: Crypto.com Arena
Watch: NBA TV, Spectrum SportsNet
There’s a sense of relief right now around Lakerland knowing that the purple and gold will avoid the play-in for the first time since 2020. The Lakers deserve all the credit for being in this position where they control their destiny over the final two games.
As JJ Redick reiterated after Wednesday’s victory over the Dallas Mavericks, the team wants the third seed.
So this is a more important game for Los Angeles since Houston has already locked the second seed. In fact, the Rockets have already decided to sit their key players, which they did against the L.A. Clippers in their previous matchup.
But of course, there’s always a chance that they suddenly feel the need to suit up versus the Lakers just because, you know, it’s the Lakers.
Ime Udoka said “maybe” when asked if Jalen Green will be on a minutes resection for the Rockets tonight.
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) April 10, 2025
Udoka also adds that he doesn’t want to take too many nights off with regards to resting players for the final 2 games after this.
Regardless, the Lakers should still win this one so they can start preparing for the playoffs and get much-needed rest. It’s hard to predict what version of this Rockets team will make an appearance on Friday since Alpren Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr. and Fred VanVleet are all noted as questionable.
Obviously, if they don’t play, it should be an easy game for the purple and gold. But if they do, then expect them to make the Lakers earn this one.
The Rockets’ identity, no matter who’s playing, is rooted in their gritty defense so expect that to make an appearance. This is also another game for the Lakers to get some reps in before the playoffs commence. The trio of LeBron James, Austin Reaves and Luka Dončić had a superb road trip and it’s encouraging to see them continue to build on what’s been working for them. They’ll get another chance to do that again along with the role players on Friday.
For as long as the Lakers stay healthy and locked in, then these next two should be easier than what was a successful road trip for them. With a win, they’ll also be killing two birds with one stone by notching the tiebreaker advantage against the Rockets — which is pretty much moot now but still, it’s nice to say that LA dominated most of their Western Conference matchups this season. It’s the reason why they have the luxury of becoming the third seed.
Now, let’s see if the Lakers can take advantage of that opportunity against the Rockets on Friday.
Notes and Updates
- For the Lakers’ injury report, LeBron James (left groin strain) is probable while Maxi Kleber (right foot surgery recovery) is out.
- As for the Rockets, Alperen Sengun (personal reasons), Jabari Smith Jr., (left groin soreness), and Fred VanVleet (right ankle soreness) are questionable. Jae’Sean Tate (right ankle soreness) is out.
- We will be live on Playback for this game, so be sure to join us!
You can follow Nicole on Twitter at @nicoleganglani.