NBA action will see the Houston Rockets take on the Los Angeles Lakers tonight. Here we look at the preview and TV Schedule for the game.
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Lakers take on the Rockets tonight, in what should be an offensive treat for the audience. Both teams boast of some offensive stalwarts and would want to put on a show.
The Rockets came back from a fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Mavericks and the Bucks but lost to the Blazers in a dismal showing.
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James Harden and Russell Westbrook have lit up the bubble with their offense while the Rockets small-ball has been the talk of the town lately.The Lakers are 2-2 in their seeding games in the bubble. They defeated the Clippers and the Jazz while they lost to the Raptors and the Thunder in dismal showings.
LeBron James has been woeful in both the losses for the Lakers. While many expected him to bring the ‘playoff LeBron’ to the Bubble, the ‘King’ has looked rusty. He and the Lakers will want to correct that going into tonight’s game.
Where to watch Lakers vs Rockets on TV and Online?
NBA TV will be streaming the action, however this would be geographically restricted. Also, you’ll need to buy the NBA League pass in order to access NBA TV.
In order to watch the game on your phones, tablets, consoles or smart TVs, use the NBA mobile app to access NBA TV.
Tip-off is at 9:00 PM ET. You can catch the game on AT&T SPORTSNET – SOUTHWEST, SPECTRUM SPORTSNET, TSN and TNT.
Team Preview – Houston Rockets
Russell Westbrook might be doubtful for the clash against the Lakers with a bruised right quad. The former MVP has had a great game against the Bucks but struggled against the Blazers. If the former Thunders’ star sits out the game, Ben McLemore and Austin Rivers will have to shoulder more responsibility. James Harden will have to share more offensive workload in the absence of Westbrook.
James Harden, the leading scorer in the league, has been brilliant on both ends of the court in the Bubble. His defensive play has surprised fans and critics both. The Rockets star will want another strong personal display tonight.
Harden put up 49 points against the Mavericks in the first league game. He will hope to put up a similar performance against fellow MVP candidates in LeBron James and Anthony Davis tonight.
The Rockets bench has been supporting the all-star duo of Harden and Westbrook on the defensive end but the squad has to increase their efficiency in knocking down open shots.
Expected starting line-up: Austin Rivers, James Harden, Danuel House, PJ Tucker, Robert Covington
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Team Preview – Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers seemed to take the foot off the pedal against the OKC Thunder. The all-star duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis shot a combined 33.33 percent from the field against the likes of Chris Paul and co. The likes of Caldwell-Pope, Danny Green and JR Smith haven’t shot well from the field in their opening four games.
Anthony Davis and LeBron James have been guilty of being absent for large parts of a game, especially when things aren’t going well. The duo will need to lock in and start giving playoff worthy performances, if the Lakers want to carry any sort of momentum into the business end of the season.
The Lakers have blown hot and cold inside the bubble and will hope to vanquish the Rockets and their small ball strategy tonight.
Dion Waiters has made some decent baskets during the four games while Kyle Kuzma finally seems to be ready to be the third star behind LeBron and AD. Alex Caruso has continued with his brilliant defense in the bubble and has been the part of Lakers line-up to close out close games.
Expected starting line-up: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Danny Green, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, JaVale McGee
This game might end up being a preview for the semi-finals as things stand. Without Westbrook, the Rockets will find it tough to beat the Lakers offensively. But if their well-oiled defense comes to the fore, the struggling offense of the Lakers could be caught napping.
